Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is reportedly set to request a move away from the club in the January transfer window, reigniting Manchester United’s interest in the young talent.

The Red Devils, who have long admired the Cameroon international, could look to revisit their pursuit as Ruben Amorim continues to search for balance in midfield.

According to reports from a source previously credited by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Baleba’s representatives are expected to meet with Brighton officials in November to discuss a possible exit.

The 20-year-old is understood to be keen on taking the next step in his career, with Old Trafford viewed as a potential destination.

United’s Midfield Concerns Continue

Despite spending heavily over the summer on attacking reinforcements such as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United’s midfield remains a concern.

The pairing of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro has yet to deliver the desired control or consistency in the centre of the park.

Amorim’s side have endured a stuttering start to the Premier League season, winning three, losing three, and drawing one of their opening seven matches.

With 37 points from his first 34 league games in charge, the Portuguese coach is under pressure to find stability — and a commanding midfield presence could be key.

Brighton’s Valuation and United’s Dilemma

Manchester United explored a move for Baleba in the summer but were put off by Brighton’s steep asking price, believed to be around £115 million.

The Seagulls are under no financial pressure to sell and view Baleba as one of their most promising assets following his arrival from Lille in 2023.

However, if the player formally requests to leave, the situation could change. Baleba has established himself as a dynamic, ball-winning midfielder with excellent composure and passing range — qualities United have sorely missed since Casemiro’s form began to dip.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano recently noted that United may look for a midfield addition in January, though much will depend on market opportunities. “Unless there is a big name, it is likely to be a window of loan deals or last-minute market chances,” Romano explained.

Planning Ahead for 2025

While January could present a chance for opportunistic moves, Sky Sports reports that Manchester United’s hierarchy are primarily focused on next summer.

Insiders Rob Dorsett and Danyal Khan revealed that signing a new midfielder is already viewed as a “key target” for 2025.

With several senior players, including Casemiro and Harry Maguire, nearing the end of their contracts, United expect significant turnover next year.

The potential departure of Casemiro would free up wages and create room for a younger, more dynamic midfield signing — a category into which Baleba neatly fits.

What Lies Ahead

For now, Brighton are expected to resist any mid-season sale, but much will depend on Baleba’s stance and the level of pressure applied by his camp.

If the midfielder formally pushes for an exit, and United remain keen to bolster Amorim’s squad, a January deal — even if unlikely — cannot be completely ruled out.

The coming weeks could prove decisive as Baleba’s representatives prepare for talks, and United weigh up whether to move early or wait until the summer for a more favourable deal.