Manchester United’s summer transfer window appears to have taken a spectacular turn this week. The Red Devils are in the market for midfield reinforcements ahead of the new season and have already added Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to their squad.
The English giants are tipped to add another midfielder before the window closes, but things have been quiet for almost a month. However, as relayed by The Peoples Person on Wednesday, United are now in advanced talks to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal reportedly worth £65 million.
The update has sparked a frenzy among fans across the globe, especially since the Cameroonian is a long-term target and one of the finest in his position in the Premier League. Baleba exploded onto the scene at the Amex in the 2024/25 season, but was rather subdued last campaign.
Carlos Baleba Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Red cards | Minutes played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 31 | 23 | - | - | 5 | - | 1,662' |
| EFL Cup | 3 | 2 | - | - | 1 | - | 167' |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1 | - | - | 1 | - | 62' |
| Total: | 35 | 26 | - | - | 7 | - | 1,891' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
While he was hardly in his element in the 2025/26 season, there is a belief that a failed move to Old Trafford last summer may have contributed to his poor form. It now appears that the 22 year old will finally get his wish this year. Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Tim Sherwood has now shared his opinion on the matter.
The right fit for United?
When asked on Sky Sports News if Baleba is a good signing for United, Sherwood said: “Yeah, I’m a Baleba! I think he’s very good. I’m a bit surprised they haven’t done it earlier. Whether Brighton have been waiting to try and get the price up.”
“If they’re letting him go now he was obviously available at the beginning of the window, so just go and take him and bring him to Michael as quickly as possible and let him fit into the system and how he wants to play.”
Sherwood, however, insisted that he would have preferred Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton over the Cameroonian, adding: “I’m really surprised they haven’t gone for Adam Wharton or any team hasn’t gone for Adam Wharton. He would have been my choice. I like players who are a little bit more cultured.”
However, the former Blackburn Rovers skipper acknowledged that Baleba could be the right fit at the Theatre of Dreams, and tipped Carrick and Co. to get the best out of him. He said: “Maybe the balance of the midfield that they already have at Manchester United, they need someone with legs in there to get around the pitch and I think Baleba fits that bill.”
“I still think he’s raw but he’s going to good coaches in Michael Carrick and Jonathan Woodgate, he’s in good hands there. It’s positive news for Man United fans, just add one to your squad because there’s more games now.”
Not the game-changer United need
Sherwood, however, warned United not to get their expectations too high with Baleba, arguing that he is not a game-changer. He said: “I’m not sure he’s a game-changer signing, I wouldn’t be that excited. I’m not falling off my chair if I’m a Man United fan about this signing.”
“He’s got a lot of developing to come, and the reason why his fee has gone down is because he was so poor last season. He’s brought the fee down. But he’s not a dud signing, that’s for sure.”
“And he’s still got development in him but he’s not finished. They’ve got a lot of young players that are not finished articles. Tielemans is and Kobbie Mainoo is still developing, so it’s another option for Carrick.”
Final Thoughts
United have certainly done their homework with Baleba and all signs indicate that he could be the ideal midfield partner for Kobbie Mainoo. However, the Cameroonian is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and is expected to miss the start of the season if the move goes through.
Featured image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
