Manchester United and Manchester City have been left frustrated in their attempts to sign Brighton midfield mainstay Carlos Baleba in January.
Carlos Baleba’s sensational rise at Brighton hasn’t gone unnoticed. Multiple top clubs in England are keen on prising him away. Manchester United and Manchester City are two of the biggest clubs that want to sign the midfield sensation.
But, according to a report from SkySports, both Manchester-based clubs face frustration in their pursuit of the Cameroonian international, as Brighton have no intentions of letting him leave mid-season. They are eager to keep hold of him at least until the end of the season.
Baleba made a name for himself while playing for LOSC Lille before joining the Seagulls in the summer of 2023. He has only gone from strength to strength since and has established himself as a key figure in the Premier League.
Despite being just 21, he is already considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the English top flight. His performances have attracted a lot of interest, and Brighton have done well to keep hold of him so far.
Brighton won’t sell Baleba in January
While his contract runs until 2028, keeping him at the club until the end of the season has become a big challenge for Brighton amidst interest from Manchester City and Manchester United. The Red Devils see him as an ideal long-term replacement for Casemiro.
Meanwhile, with Rodri struggling with fitness issues, Baleba could be the perfect signing for Pep Guardiola’s team. While both Manchester-based clubs have been plotting a raid on Brighton in the upcoming transfer window, they are unlikely to succeed.
The Seagulls are intent on keeping him at the club until the end of the season, and would only reconsider their stance if a massive offer comes their way. Brighton would look to sign a potential replacement for him in the upcoming transfer window, as City, United and other interested clubs will certainly come knocking next summer if they fail to sign him in January.
