Carlos Baleba: Cameroonian midfielder is United’s priority target for 2026

Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Manchester United’s search for midfield reinforcements in 2026.

The Red Devils were quite active in the transfer market this summer, adding more firepower to their attack. Their plans have already paid dividends, with only Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City scoring more goals than Amorim’s side this season.

Next up for reinforcements is the midfield, which is slowly emerging as a problematic position for United.

United were reportedly keen to reinforce their midfield in the summer as well and had Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba on their wish list. However, the Red Devils’ approach was rebuffed by the Seagulls, who had no desire to let the 21 year old go.

Amorim ended the transfer window without signing a midfielder, and that decision has affected their performances so far. While Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have done very well in the pivot role, United lack power and athleticism in the middle of the park right now.

Amorim’s tactics require a combative midfielder, and Casemiro, who is already on the wrong side of 30, is not a long-term option for the role.

Several emerging midfielders have been linked with the Theatre of Dreams as possible solutions, including Baleba, Elliot Anderson , Angelo Stiller and Adam Wharton . It now appears that United have already identified the perfect candidate for the job.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said that Baleba is United’s No. 1 target for the summer of 2026.

“I want to close this video with midfielders, guys, as many of you keep asking me. There is a lot of confusion in the media: who is the dream target for Manchester United in midfield?” said Romano.

“My information, guys, remains that there are several names, and we will discuss all of them in the videos these days. But I keep telling you that Man Utd want Carlos Baleba and Baleba wants to go to Man Utd.

“The conversation with the player and his agency is very good. In August, Brighton didn’t want to sell the player. In January, it is likely to be a difficult deal again because Brighton insist on not selling the player. But for the summer, let’s say for 2026, Man Utd see Baleba as a priority target.

“I gave you a video last summer saying Baleba will remain a target if the deal doesn’t happen now. Man Utd want to insist on the deal in 2026, and that remains the case.

“Man Utd still want Baleba and Baleba is still very keen on a move to Man Utd. So, Baleba is a name we have to keep very high on Man Utd’s shortlist for the midfield.”

Baleba’s potential arrival could provide the legs in midfield that United desperately lack at the moment. The Cameroonian’s desire to move to the Theatre of Dreams could also help the Red Devils beat the competition to his signature.

– Wednesday, 6 August 2025

Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

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