United can't go without Africans: Fourth one is(n't) near Old Trafford
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 04.01.26. | 11:43
Despite the Red Devils' great desire and Bryan Mbeumo's "pressure" on his compatriot, Brighton are hesitant to let Carlos Baleba leave in January
The Moroccan Noussair Mazraoui, the Ivorian Amad Diallo, and the Cameroonian Bryan Mbeumo are already there, but Manchester United are keen on signing another African. For some time, the rumours about the Red Devils' interest in Brighton's Indomitable Lion, Carlos Baleba, have been spreading.
Ruben Amorim's crew needs to increase both quality and competition in the midfield, as Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo (who may leave soon) require reinforcement. Yet, despite the giants' enthusiasm and Mbeumo's "pressure" on his Cameroon teammate, the Seagulls are allegedly hesitant to let Baleba leave in January.
EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United have explored the conditions of signing Brighton's Carlos Baleba in January, Sky Sports News can reveal 🚨 pic.twitter.com/ghS9aVXUhj
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 2, 2026
Namely, Sky Sports reported Brighton chairman Paul Barber's statement for talkSPORT in which he presented the club's firm stance regarding the 22-year-old's status.
"We have no plans or desire to sell Carlos in this window or any future window. We know he's a talented player and he's got a lot of options ahead of him in the future."
Hence, United may be forced to keep their hands off their primary target. Nevertheless, bringing one or two central midfielders is the Manchester side's priority, so they reportedly have three alternatives: Joao Gomes (Wolverhampton), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), and Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest).
Either way, Baleba's case is only at the beginning, as is an exciting transfer window for Man United.
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 20
Saturday
Aston Villa - Nott.Forest 3-1 (1-0)
/Watkins 45+1, McGinn 49, 73 - Gibbs-White 61/
Brighton - Burnley 2-0 (1-0)
/Rutter 29, Ayari 47/
Wolverhampton - West Ham 3-0 (3-0)
/Arias 4, Hwang 31 pen, Mane 41/
Bournemouth - Arsenal 2-3 (1-1)
/Evanilson 10, Kroupi 76 - Gabriel 16, Rice 54, 71/
Sunday
15.30: (2.75) Leeds (3.25) Man.Utd. (2.65)
18.00: (2.40) Everton (3.30) Brentford (3.25)
18.00: (3.80) Fulham (3.50) Liverpool (2.00)
18.00: (1.70) Newcastle (3.60) Crystal Palace (5.30)
18.00: (1.85) Tottenham (3.60) Sunderland (4.80)
20.30: (1.65) Man.City (4.20) Chelsea (5.60)
***odds are subject to change***
