Manchester United's biggest blow in the 2025 summer transfer window appears to be their failure to secure the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion's promising midfielder, Carlos Baleba. Despite strong interest from United, several factors have derailed the potential transfer:
Brighton's High Asking Price
Brighton have set a steep valuation for the 21-year-old Cameroonian, reportedly demanding over £100 million, with some sources citing a figure as high as £115 million, matching the fee they received for Moises Caicedo’s transfer to Chelsea in 2023. Manchester United, having already spent over £200 million on signings like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, were unwilling or unable to meet this price, especially given their financial constraints and cost-cutting measures following a 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season.
Brighton's Firm Stance:
Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hurzeler, has publicly stated there is “no chance” of the club fearing Baleba’s departure, emphasizing their confidence in retaining him. The club’s CEO, Paul Barber, also denied any official contact from United, dismissing transfer rumors as speculation and expressing a desire to keep Baleba for years. This resolute stance from Brighton has been a significant roadblock.
Competition and Timing Issues:
Reports indicate that United’s pursuit was complicated by Brighton’s reluctance to lose multiple key players, especially with interest from Juventus in another Brighton star, Matt O’Riley. This situation has forced United to act quickly, but their financial situation and Brighton’s high demands have made the deal increasingly unlikely. Additionally, a rejected cash-plus-player bid, which reportedly included United’s Antony, further highlights the challenges in negotiations.
Financial and PSR Constraints:
United’s aggressive spending this window, combined with no significant player sales and the absence of European football revenue, has put them at risk of breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). To fund a deal for Baleba, United would likely need to offload players like Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Hojlund, or Alejandro Garnacho, but these deals are not guaranteed before the transfer deadline.
Despite Baleba’s openness to joining United and reported confidence from the club in agreeing personal terms, the combination of Brighton’s high valuation, their unwillingness to sell, and United’s financial limitations has made this a significant setback. This failure to secure Baleba, a player seen as ideal for Ruben Amorim’s midfield rebuild, is considered United’s biggest blow in the transfer window due to his potential to transform their squad and the high expectations surrounding the deal.
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