Club chairman spills beans on how close United came to snapping up their star player in the summer

Brighton and Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom has revealed the truth behind Manchester United’s failed summer pursuit of Carlos Baleba.

United tried to sign Baleba

During the summer transfer window, the bulk of United’s efforts were focused on bolstering the attacking department after a goal-shy 2024/25 season.

United brought in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. On deadline day, United also announced the arrival of goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp.

The Red Devils explored the possibility of signing a midfielder and viewed Baleba as their ideal target. Since joining the Premier League, Baleba has established himself as one of England’s standout midfielders, impressing with his power and commanding displays in the middle of the park.

It’s believed that Baleba was open to sealing a switch to Old Trafford but the transfer failed to materialise after United became aware of Brighton’s prohibitive asking price. The Seagulls wanted north of £100m to sanction the Cameroonian’s exit.

United remain interested in Baleba and reports have suggested that the club are planning to go back in for him, either in January or next summer.

Baleba has endured a somewhat sluggish start to the campaign, with Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler conceding that  United’s interest may have unsettled the player.

Now, Bloom has opened up on United’s approach for Baleba.

Bloom sheds light on United’s Baleba chase

Bloom told The Argus, “I don’t think Baleba was a saga.”

“There was interest from Manchester United, and we said that he wasn’t available this summer and they went away. So we’ve had many bigger sagas in the past.”

“But Carlos Baleba, his improvement has been immense.”

“Massively important player to this football club, and just delighted that he’s with us for this season.”

On Brighton selling their best players like Baleba and Kaoru Mitoma, Bloom explained, “We know that occasionally some of our best players will be sold.”

“But, when that happens, we don’t want too many at any one time. And then we always try and make sure that the players coming in, maybe players we’ve brought in previous seasons, can help with that situation.”

“But that’s true of almost every club. The best players, unless you’re potentially Man City, Liverpool, Madrid, PSG, almost every club’s best players do get sold.”

He added that the aim is to make sure that Brighton have a competitive squad at the start of every season.

Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

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