Manchester United’s summer interest has reportedly turned Carlos Baleba’s head, as a January move could still become a possibility.
According to Football Insider, Manchester United could revive their interest in Carlos Baleba in January despite earlier reports stating the contrary. The 21-year-old summer target’s head had been turned owing to the interest from the Red Devils during the summer, as Ruben Amorim’s side could make another attempt in the winter window.
Manchester United identified Carlos Baleba as their priority midfield target during the summer, but could not get ahead in terms of a move. Ruben Amorim wanted a formidable presence in the middle of the park, and as they enquired about the 21-year-old, Brighton categorically showed no interest in selling him.
Earlier reports had strongly stated Manchester United may not move for the midfielder in the January window, although things might have changed in the background. Baleba’s head had been turned by Manchester United’s summer interest, which could play a big factor should the Red Devils revive an interest soon.
Baleba’s performance levels have dropped this season, and while Brighton have made a decent start to their Premier League campaign, there will be question marks about whether they will sell in January. Back in the summer, there were suggestions that Baleba was keen on the switch to Old Trafford, and recently, it was suggested again that it remains the case.
With the player likely even thinking about a future move to Old Trafford, an approach in January will not come as a big surprise. Manchester United are indeed planning a move in 2026, and it might be the case that they accelerate that to January and try another attempt to bring the 21-year-old summer target.
Carlos Baleba’s move is difficult, but not impossible
Despite Baleba’s head being turned as well as Manchester United’s potential interest ahead of January, there are some major stumbling blocks ahead. For starters, Brighton are still in a position to decide whether the player is for sale or not, as there could be flashbacks of the Moises Caicedo-Arsenal saga from a few years ago.
Secondly, they are seemingly set to demand £100 million or more in any case, which may be deemed expensive by Manchester United. Teams like Liverpool are also interested, which could add a new layer of complication for Manchester United, although with the groundwork on the 21-year-old summer target, the Red Devils could stand a chance to sign him ahead of their rivals.
