Blockbuster update: Top United target will demand his club allow him to leave in January – report

Following the dismal 2024/25 campaign, INEOS decided to focus on strengthening Manchester United’s attack, given that the team was the 16th top scorer in the Premier League.

In came Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, but what Ruben Amorim wanted most was a new midfielder, with Carlos Baleba identified as the perfect fit for his system.

However, Brighton and Hove Albion slapped a record valuation on the Cameroonian’s head, and due to the extensive splurge on improving the attack, United could not muster the funds required to land him in the summer.

As expected, the Red Devils have struggled in the middle of the park, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro being the head coach’s go-to midfield pairing.

Carlos Baleba to ask to leave

While their passing ability remains top-class, they simply do not have the positional discipline and legs to cope and opponents have taken advantage.

Which is why the 20-time English league champions are expected to rectify the situation once the winter window opens and the Brighton midfielder is expected to be a target once again.

As relayed by Teamtalk, the 21-year-old is likely to ask his club to allow him to leave in January after they stopped him from jumping ship in the summer.

The Cameroon international’s agents will meet the Seagulls’ officials in November to discuss this possibility.

Will cost £100m

“Carlos Baleba will request to leave Brighton in January. Baleba’s agent to meet Brighton and Hove Albion in November.”

He is still likely to cost around £100 million despite the indifferent start to the new season. Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler has explained that United’s summer interest has turned the player’s head.

Whether INEOS have that kind of money to spend in the winter remains to be seen. There are murmurs that Casemiro might even be sold in January, and in that case, money might be freed up.

Next summer is more of a realistic timeline, but Liverpool have joined the race, and it will not be easy if United decide to wait.

Feature image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images

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