Manchester United’s pursuit of Carlos Baleba has left neighbours Manchester City surprised, as Pep Guardiola wanted to sign the midfielder next year.

According to Give Me Sport, Manchester United’s chase of Carlos Baleba has surprised Neibhours and rivals Manchester City. Pep Guardiola reportedly wanted to bring the Senegal star next year to keep building his midfield options, as the Red Devils are currently a step ahead in the race and likely to pay a huge fee to test the waters with Brighton.

Manchester United swiftly switched their attention to recruiting a new midfielder once they signed and sealed the transfer of Benjamin Sesko. The Red Devils visibly have a weak spot in the central areas, something Ruben Amorim would have addressed to the transfer chiefs in the background.

Once the Sesko deal was delivered, Manchester United wasted no time in approaching Brighton for midfielder Carlos Baleba. There are obvious complications in the deal, with the report quoting Fabrizio Romano stating that the Seagulls are demanding as much as £120 million, which would shatter the current British record as well as that for an African player.

Baleba has already informed Brighton of his desire to join Manchester United, with talks taking place in the background. Manchester United are willing to pay big for the midfielder and move forward with the transfer, as they are eager to get it over the line before the transfer window shuts.

Manchester United are aware of some of their rivals being interested in Baleba, with a host of those having kept close tabs on the midfielder. Despite that, the Red Devils appear to have moved along well in the market in pursuit of the 21-year-old midfield prodigy, as they are currently the favourites to land the Brighton star.

Manchester City surprised by Carlos Baleba’s pursuit

Manchester City were interested in Baleba, and they are utterly surprised that Manchester United have moved forward with their pursuit of the 21-year-old midfield prodigy. Pep Guardiola reportedly viewed the Brighton star for his squad, albeit only in 2026.

Manchester City were hopeful of Baleba staying at Brighton for another season before they pursued the midfielder, and that could still materialise if Manchester United cannot agree a deal. However, as things stand, Guardiola’s plans to revamp his Manchester City midfield with the 21-year-old midfield prodigy may be shelved as the Red Devils are the favourites to land the Brighton star.