United's Bold Baleba Pursuit Sparks January Transfer Tug-of-War with Brighton
2 January 2026
Midfield chase and the Baleba puzzle
Manchester United have been exploring a midfield signing during the current January window, but the pursuit has ended in disappointment.
The 21-year-old Cameroonian, who drew interest from United last summer, remains a key target for the club.
Sky Sports said United scanned terms of a potential deal to sign Baleba in January, but Brighton's stance hasn't changed, reiterating he is not for sale.
To pry him loose would require a club-record fee exceeding Brighton's August inquiry, which stood at £115 million, surpassing Manchester United's £89 million paid for Paul Pogba in 2016.
Baleba's current deal with Brighton runs to 2028, with an option for an extra year, strengthening Brighton's negotiating position.
Sky also reported United are tracking talented youths such as Morocco's Ayoub Bouaidi and Kristos Mozakitis from Olympiacos.
Baleba remains a primary target to strengthen United’s midfield, but Elliott Anderson of Nottingham Forest tops the list, though Baleba is not available until next summer. The club is also tracking Adam Wart on (Crystal Palace), Joao Gomes (Wolverhampton), and Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), with fees around £40m.
Sky Sports said a big January deal seems unlikely, but United may pave the way for Baleba's move in the summer.
In short, United's January ambitions look dashed for Baleba, with Brighton firm, and a summer move remains the more likely development.
Punchlines: If January transfers were coffee, this one would be decaf—lots of buzz, zero caffeine.
And if Baleba finally moves, Brighton might need a bigger trophy cabinet for all those £40m mugs.
