Man Utd Told That Target Who Would “Complete” Ruben Amorim’s Rebuild “Wants” Old Trafford Switch

Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is keen on joining Man Utd, according to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein.

When asked who the Red Devils should sign to strengthen their squad in the New Year, the trusted journalist said:

“Carlos Baleba. They want him, he wants them. Brighton don’t want to let him go but we will see what the future holds, because they need to upgrade in that number six department, Ruben Amorim wants to, and that could help complete their rebuild.”

Ornstein was the one who confirmed United’s interest in Baleba during the summer transfer window but a move never materialised due to the cost of the deal.

Could Baleba make the switch to Old Trafford in January?

As Ornstein mentions, Brighton are very unlikely to sanction the Cameroon international’s departure midway through the season.

The Seagulls are already demanding in excess of £100m for Baleba and they would probably put an extra premium on that figure if Ruben Amorim’s side make an approach during the January transfer window. For that reason, it is felt that a bid next summer is much more realistic.

Which midfielder could Man Utd sign instead?

It has been reported over the past couple of days that Wolves’ Joao Gomes and Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher are regarded as more likely candidates to be signed in January.

However, plenty of other midfielders have been floated as potential targets. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton are among the most talked about but the pair may cost as much as Baleba.

Alternatives such as Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller, Sporting Lisbon’s Morten Hjulmand and Chelsea’s Andrey Santos have also been mentioned.

Some of these have lower asking prices than Baleba, but a lot could depend on whether the club are willing to compromise on their top target or whether they are willing to wait until the summer.

Read more about the Manchester United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here