Per The Telegraph United are currently unwilling to meet Brighton’s asking price for Baleba, which stands at over £100m. INEOS, it is reported, view the defensive midfielder as an ideal prospective target, but they are said to be unlikely to meet the Seagulls’ valuation in this window, as they operate within tighter financial constraints. They have already signed Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko for a combined total of more than £200 million ($271.5m) this summer.
Brighton and United are not said to have engaged in meaningful dialogue over a deal for Baleba, and Seagulls chairman Tony Bloom would only accept a transfer that is similar in price to that which saw Moises Caicedo join Chelsea. The Blues paid £115m ($156m) for the midfielder in 2023.
United are continuing to search for a midfielder this summer, but have allocated most of their transfer funds towards reshaping Ruben Amorim’s attack. Brighton are under no pressure to sell the Cameroon international, who has a contract until 2028.
United and Brighton both kick off their Premier League seasons this weekend. The Red Devils face Arsenal in a blockbuster contest, while the Seagulls play Fulham.
