Manchester United may have a secret agent on their hands in Bryan Mbeumo, with the Red Devils winger said to be urging Cameroon international team-mate Carlos Baleba to join him at Old Trafford. United remain in the market for another proven performer to operate in the heart of their midfield, with a big-money raid on Premier League rivals Brighton being mooted.
Agent Mbeumo talking Baleba into Man Utd move
United considered making that move during the summer window, but were unable to finance another deal on the back of snapping up Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. Ruben Amorim was given £200 million ($269m), with the Red Devils still waiting on that investment to deliver a return.
Further recruitment plans are already being drawn up, with Baleba continuing to register on their radar. reports on how Mbeumo could be a useful tool in ongoing efforts to prise Baleba away from Brighton.
AdvertisementGettyWhen a big-money transfer could happen
Mbeumo and Baleba are said to have "become closer while on international duty during Cameroon’s African World Cup qualifying campaign". goes on to claim that: "Inside sources say Mbeumo has been sharing the delights of joining a mammoth club like United and is like a ‘big brother’ to 21-year-old Baleba."
Mbeumo’s advice could be heeded, with the United winger said to have been "trying to encourage Baleba to push for a move in the January window, although any transfer would most likely take place next summer."
The Red Devils may struggle to get a deal done in the New Year as Brighton are understandably reluctant to part with another prized asset midway through the 2025-26 campaign. They have already seen Yves Bissouma and Moises Caicedo lured away from the south coast by domestic rivals.
Baleba price tag: Brighton will demand £100m
Big-money agreements were struck there with Tottenham and Chelsea respectively, with Baleba seemingly next off the production line. He will come with a price tag similar to that of former Seagull Caicedo, with it claimed that Brighton will be demanding £100m ($135m) from any sale.
United may see that as a shrewd investment in their long-term future, with Baleba seemingly the perfect foil for Bruno Fernandes in Amorim’s favoured 3-4-3 system. The Red Devils must decide how best to splash any cash that is made available by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group.
GettyTransfer plans: Romano update on Baleba talks
Fabrizio Romano expects more discussions to be held on the Baleba front, with United not about to shelve their interest. They may have to wait until the end of the season to get a deal done, but Mbeumo’s efforts could help to deliver a much sought-after signature.
Transfer guru Romano has told his channel: "Carlos Baleba was a target for Manchester United. There were very positive exchanges between Baleba, his agent and Manchester United. He wanted the move, but he didn't want to force the move. He respected Brighton, he didn't ask to go, so it was in Brighton's hands.
“"t the moment, Brighton insist on their position not to sell the player in the January transfer window. For that to happen, it would have to be a crazy proposal or if the player asked to go. Even in that case, they don't want to sell him. It is going to be difficult.
"In the summer, it might be different. Amorim pushed a lot for Baleba in the summer transfer window, he saw him as a perfect target for Man United, in terms of intensity, skills, potential and knowledge of the Premier League. He was considered a perfect signing by people at the club and by the manager. It remains a difficult deal for January, for the summer we will see what will happen. Manchester United are looking for an important midfielder in 2026."
United, who have Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte to fill a holding role in their side at present, will be back in Premier League action on Sunday when taking in a trip to old adversaries Liverpool.
