Tony Mogan
Published June 3, 2026 5:03pm
Updated June 3, 2026 5:05pm
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Another midfield signing could be on the way (Picture: Getty)
Carlos Baleba is desperate to join Manchester United’s recruitment drive this summer as the club seek to add more midfielders to the squad.
United have agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta with the Brazilian set to become the first signing of the Michael Carrick era at Old Trafford.
With Casemiro leaving, United want to sign at least two new midfielders this summer – three if Manuel Ugarte leaves.
West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes is another target with talks already taking place with the Hammers over a move.
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While Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are also admirers, the Portuguese midfielder is thought to be keen on Manchester – although West Ham’s huge £80million valuation and United’s reluctance to meet that mean there is still plenty of work to do.
Baleba meanwhile has been a target for United since last summer with a move initially explored in August. Brighton’s huge valuation, thought to be in excess of £100m, saw United shelve their interest but he remains among the names under consideration.
Reports last year suggested Baleba was keen on a move then with the Cameroon international now even more receptive with the Daily Mail reporting he would ‘love to join’ the club.
Baleba has been on United’s radar all year (Picture: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Baleba had a difficult 2025-26 season, failing to consistently meet the standard he set the previous campaign. Despite that, Brighton still want at least £100m for the 22-year-old according to latest reports with Tottenham also interested.
‘I don’t think it affected me. But I had a lot of pressure on me,’ Baleba said in December when asked about United’s interest and whether it affected his performances.
Baleba played against United on the final day of the season (Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
‘When I started the season, I wanted to [have] the same performances as last season. Every day I try to work hard and to get [back] to my level.
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‘Did I put too much pressure on myself? Yes, I think so, but I think that’s good.’
Baleba is by no means the only player United are looking at. Elliot Anderson and Aurelien Tchouameni are at the top of the shortlist although Manchester City is thought to be the favoured destination of the former.
Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali and Alex Scott are also of interest as United seek to bolster their squad for the return of the Champions League next season.
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