Manchester United Remain Unconvinced by Carlos Baleba’s £100m Valuation Ahead of Brighton Clash

Manchester United host Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford today, with club insiders maintaining that Carlos Baleba is not yet worth the £100 million price tag reportedly placed on him.

United continue to view the 21-year-old midfielder as a strong long-term fit for their project, and today’s Premier League meeting offers the perfect opportunity for a closer look at his progress. Despite ongoing admiration, there remains hesitation within Old Trafford over whether Baleba’s performances justify such a hefty valuation.

United made discreet contact with Brighton last summer to express their interest, fully aware that a deal was unlikely at the time. The approach was intended to make their intent known rather than initiate serious negotiations. Brighton, however, made their stance clear — Baleba was not for sale, and no official price was discussed. Reports at the time suggested the Seagulls would not even entertain offers below the £100 million mark.

Sources now indicate that Brighton’s valuation of Baleba has not softened, leading to doubts over whether United would consider paying such a figure. For any deal to materialise in January, either the asking price would need to fall significantly, or Baleba would have to deliver performances that fully convince United’s recruitment team of his worth.

Baleba is seen as a player who could adapt well to a Rúben Amorim-led system, should the Portuguese coach take charge at Old Trafford, but there is a clear awareness within the club of the dangers of overpaying in the current market.

While Baleba enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 campaign, this season has been more inconsistent. He has yet to complete a full 90 minutes in the Premier League, and his performances have not yet reached the same levels that made him one of the league’s breakout stars last term.

Brighton remain confident that Baleba will rediscover his best form and continue to see him as a key part of their midfield for the rest of the season. As it stands, they have no intention of entertaining offers for the young midfielder, meaning a January move appears highly unlikely.

For now, Manchester United will continue to monitor Baleba’s development — while also keeping an eye on alternative midfield options as their rebuild under new leadership gathers pace.