Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United won’t be able to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfield sensation Carlos Baleba in January.

Manchester United are expected to return for Carlos Baleba’s signature in January, but according to a report from Football Insider, the Red Devils won’t be able to strike a deal with Brighton & Hove Albion for the Cameroonian international this winter.

After making a name for himself at LOSC Lille, Baleba joined the Seagulls in the summer of 2023, and he has only gone from strength to strength since. While he has not had the best of starts to the 2025/26 season, the 21-year-old midfielder has already proven his undoubted potential over the last two seasons.

The defensive midfielder’s consistent performances and his massive potential had put him on the radar of Manchester United. Ruben Amorim was keen on adding more quality and depth to his midfield in the recently concluded transfer window, and Baleba was their priority target.

The Red Devils did knock on Brighton & Hove Albion’s door, but the Seagulls made it quite clear that they had no intentions of selling the 21-year-old this summer. Despite the setback, United retain interest in the Cameroonian international.

Manchester United might have to wait until summer of 2026

Recent reports have suggested that Manchester United are planning to return for Carlos Baleba’s signature when the transfer window reopens in January. But, they might not be able to strike a deal with Seagulls this time around as well. Brighton & Hove Albion are likely to slap a huge price tag on Baleba, making it impossible for the Red Devils to afford him at the start of the new year.

Manchester United might have a much more realistic chance of signing him next summer, when he will only have two years left on his deal. It could force Brighton to consider a realistic offer for the Cameroonian gem. Meanwhile, the Red Devils will also have significant funds to try to lure Baleba to Old Trafford.

They see the 21-year-old as an ideal long-term replacement for Casemiro, who is expected to leave the club next summer after the expiry of his contract. Baleba is considered an ideal fit for Amorim’s system, and he has all the qualities to succeed at the Manchester-based club. As a result, it will be interesting to see if they can sign him.