Arne Slot’s Liverpool are all set to rival Manchester United in their pursuit of Brighton midfield sensation Carlos Baleba.

Manchester United retain interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, and they could once again try to strike a deal with the Seagulls in 2026. But the Red Devils may face significant competition from rival clubs.

According to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, Liverpool could also be interested in acquiring the Cameroonian international’s signature, and United are concerned about the Merseyside club’s involvement.

Baleba has only gone from strength to strength since joining Brighton from LOSC Lille in the summer of 2023. Not only has he established himself as one of their mainstays, but his impressive performances have attracted a lot of interest from across Europe.

United will return for Baleba

United are one of the clubs keen on acquiring his services. They see him as an ideal long-term replacement for Casemiro. The Red Devils wanted to sign him in the summer, and they did test the waters. However, Brighton’s massive £100 million price kept them at bay.

With his contract running until the summer of 2028, the Seagulls are unlikely to lower their demands, as he remains one of their most valuable assets. Despite the high price tag, the Manchester-based giants are expected to return for his signature in 2026.

They could try to sign him in the winter or next summer. While United have been working on a potential transfer for some time, they are not the only club that could push for him. Liverpool could enter the race, and it could complicate matters for the Red Devils.

O’Rourke’s take on Baleba’s future

While speaking on the Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke said: “I think it’d be concerning for Manchester United if they are sort of monitoring that situation. Carlos Baleba is a top player.

“Man United inquired about him in the summer and Brighton’s price tag of around £100million scared United off.

So again, Brighton we know are very smart operators in the transfer market. If they are to sell their best players, they will demand top dollar for them.

Baleba is a very influential player there at Brighton but it’s been interesting to see Fabian Hurzeler sort of suggest that he’s been distracted by all this transfer speculation over Manchester United.

“But he still has played in all five of Brighton’s Premier League games so far this season but I don’t think this speculation is going to go away.

“United still firmly have him on the radar probably for next summer rather than the January window and if Liverpool are in the market for a central-defensive midfielder, I’m sure Baleba will be someone who’s also on their list as well.

“If it came down to who could land them, it’d be worrying for United because they probably need Champions League football to try and convince Baleba to make that move.

“And as I said, Baleba continues to shine like he can do for Brighton, I’m sure there’ll be more than Man United and Liverpool looking at him.”

Liverpool could complicate things for United

The Reds could be in the market for a new defensive midfielder, and they can certainly rival United. Not only do they have a much better project at hand, but the Merseyside club also have the finances to get a deal over the line.

If United want to try and lure him to Old Trafford, they will have to ensure they have Champions League football to offer, which at this point looks very difficult to achieve, given the kind of start they have had.

Baleba is a top player who could play a pivotal role for United going forward. However, beating Liverpool to his signature certainly won’t be easy.