The January transfer window is open, and if you've been following the rumor mill lately, one name is basically everywhere. Carlos Baleba. The 22-year-old Brighton midfielder has become the "it" player for clubs looking to inject some serious engine room power into their squads. Honestly, it’s not hard to see why. After a breakout 2024-25 season where he looked like a clone of Moises Caicedo, everyone from Manchester United to Liverpool has been sniffing around.
But here is the thing.
If you’re expecting a "Here We Go" tweet from Fabrizio Romano regarding a move this month, you might want to lower those expectations. Brighton & Hove Albion are notoriously difficult to deal with, and they’ve reportedly slapped a massive price tag on their Cameroonian star. We’re talking triple digits.
Carlos Baleba Transfer News: The Manchester United Obsession
Manchester United under Ruben Amorim is a different beast. They need intensity. They need a midfielder who can cover every blade of grass and still have the technical quality to keep the ball under pressure. According to recent reports, including updates from Romano himself, Baleba is sitting right at the top of Amorim’s 2026 wishlist.
The Red Devils actually tried to make this happen last summer. They even reportedly agreed on personal terms with Baleba’s camp. But the deal hit a massive wall: the Brighton hierarchy. Tony Bloom and Paul Barber aren't exactly known for giving discounts. When United came knocking, Brighton pointed toward the £115 million they got for Caicedo and basically said, "Match it or leave."
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United left.
Why a January move is unlikely
January is a weird time for big transfers. Prices are inflated. Teams are desperate. Right now, Baleba is away on international duty with Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He's been a vital part of their midfield, though he did give everyone a scare by being forced off with a minor injury during their 1-0 win against Gabon recently.
Brighton’s Deputy Chairman, Paul Barber, hasn't been shy about the club's stance. Speaking recently to talkSPORT, he made it clear: "We have no plans or desire to sell Carlos in this window." That’s typical Brighton. They prefer to sell in the summer when they have months to scout a replacement from some obscure league for £5 million who will eventually sell for £80 million. It’s their whole model.
The Form Factor: Is he worth £100m+?
There’s a bit of a debate brewing among scouts and fans about Baleba’s current form. If we’re being real, his 2025-26 campaign hasn't quite hit the heights of last year yet. Last season, he was an absolute monster, recording 43 successful tackles and a 93% passing completion rate across 34 Premier League games.
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This season has been a bit "stop-start."
- 16 appearances so far in the Premier League.
- A passing accuracy that’s dipped slightly to 85%.
- 0 goals and 0 assists (though that’s not really his job).
Fabian Hurzeler, the Brighton boss, has been public about supporting the youngster through this patch. It’s understandable. He’s 22. He’s dealing with massive transfer speculation while trying to anchor a midfield in the toughest league in the world.
Some at Manchester United are reportedly questioning if his current form justifies the €115 million valuation. TEAMtalk has even suggested that INEOS might be pivoting toward other targets like Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton or Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson if Brighton doesn’t budge on the price.
The Liverpool and Spurs Hijack?
It’s not just a one-horse race. Liverpool have also been linked, and they’ve shown in the past (looking at you, Alexis Mac Allister) that they know how to navigate a deal with Brighton. Arne Slot needs that "six" who can actually defend and transition play quickly.
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Tottenham are the dark horse here. They love a high-intensity player, and Baleba fits the Ange-ball mold perfectly. However, most insiders believe that while these clubs are making "checks" on his situation, no one is ready to drop £100 million in the middle of a season.
The Contract Situation
Baleba is under contract at the Amex until June 2028. This is Brighton's ultimate leverage. They aren't in a rush. They don't need the money. Unless a club comes in with a "stupid" offer—the kind of offer that makes a CEO’s eyes pop out—he’s staying put until the summer of 2026.
What’s Next for Baleba?
If you're a Brighton fan, relax. He's likely staying through the winter. If you're a United fan, prepare for a long saga that probably won't resolve until July. Baleba himself has said it's his "ambition to be the best midfielder in the world," and he seems happy to wait for the right move.
Practical Takeaways:
- Monitor AFCON Fitness: Keep an eye on his injury status with Cameroon. If he comes back healthy and finishes the season strong, that £100m price tag will stick.
- Watch the "Other" Targets: If United or Liverpool sign a midfielder this January, it’s a clear sign they’ve moved on from Baleba for the time being.
- Expect Summer Fireworks: The most realistic window for this move is June/July 2026. Brighton will have their replacement lined up by then, and the bidding war will be at its peak.
Keep your notifications on, but don't buy a Baleba United shirt just yet. The Brighton boardroom is the hardest place in football to get a deal done, and they aren't blinking first.
Actionable Insight: If you're tracking this for fantasy football or betting markets, watch Brighton's starting lineups immediately after AFCON ends. If Baleba's minutes continue to be managed or if he struggles to regain his 2024 form, his market value might finally see the "40m discount" some tabloids are whispering about, making a summer deal much more palatable for elite clubs.