According to English media, Man Utd, through an intermediary, has contacted Brighton about acquiring Baleba. Brighton has indicated a willingness to negotiate if they receive a suitable offer.

Andre Onana (right) chats with Carlos Baleba on the Cameroon national team.

Onana could play a key role in the deal. The 29-year-old goalkeeper is actively using his personal influence and shared Cameroonian heritage to convince Baleba. Although Man Utd will not be in the Champions League next season, Onana believes it's an ideal place for the younger midfielder to develop his career.

In addition to Onana, Man Utd currently has another Cameroonian player, Bryan Mbeumo, a forward recently recruited from Brentford for a total fee of 95 million USD. The three players have played together in several international matches, most recently Cameroon's 3-1 victory over Libya in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in March, with Onana in goal, Baleba in midfield, and Mbeumo on the right wing.

Man Utd could also leverage the relationship with Leny Yoro, the 19-year-old defender who was Baleba's teammate at Lille. Both developed in the French club's academy and are close friends off the field.

Carlos Baleba and Leny Yoro (behind) during their time together at Lille.

However, to recruit Baleba, Man Utd will have to overcome several obstacles. Brighton values the Cameroonian midfielder at 139.4 million USD. The Red Devils are unlikely to meet this price, having just signed forward Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for a total fee of 99 million USD.

Baleba's future also depends on whether Man Utd can sell players not in manager Ruben Amorim’s plans, including Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Jadon Sancho.

Cross-town rivals Man City are also closely monitoring Baleba. Manager Pep Guardiola is said to have long admired the Cameroonian midfielder's talent.

Baleba marks Mohamed Salah during Brighton's 2-2 draw with Liverpool at The Amex, East Sussex, England, on 8/10/2023. Photo: *Reuters*

Baleba developed at Lille and then joined Brighton for 35 million USD in 2023. According to ESPN, Lille will receive 20% of the profit if Brighton sells the player for a higher price.

Baleba stands out for his physical strength and diverse dribbling and passing abilities. He is a modern central midfielder, capable of playing well as a box-to-box player or dropping deep as a defensive midfielder. In total, Baleba has scored 4 goals in 77 appearances for Brighton over the past two seasons.

If Man Utd agrees to pay 139.4 million USD, Baleba will join the string of stars who have left Brighton for high prices recently, such as Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Ben White, and Alexis Mac Allister.

Compiled by Hong Duy