Manchester United remain keen to sign Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer as they look to bolster their midfield options.
GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed that Man United are likely to sign two new central midfielders this summer, with that need being heightened by the impending summer exit of Casemiro.
The veteran Brazilian announced in January that he would be leaving Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season, and GMS sources understand that will still happen despite reports this week that a U-turn could be on the cards.
United fans would certainly be keen for the 34-year-old to stay if he continued to show the form he has in recent months, and especially under Michael Carrick since he took caretaker charge.
As well as his improved form in the middle of the park alongside a rejuvenated Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro has also been a huge goal threat with seven Premier League goals this season, including two in his last two.
United are preparing for life after the Brazilian though, with a number of options discussed.
Man United Considering Midfield Options
One of the key prerequisites for United’s midfield search appears to be having Premier League experience, with Baleba one of a number of their targets currently plying their trade in England’s top tier.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali are confirmed to be on their shortlist by GMS sources, while they previously asked Chelsea about a move for Andrey Santos during Alejandro Garnacho transfer talks.
According to TEAMtalk, United are the frontrunners to sign Baleba from Brighton in the summer and they are expected to try and do so.
The Cameroon international is valued at £100m by the Seagulls, but insiders believe that he could be purchased for a fee closer to £70m at the end of the season.
Baleba Has ‘Already Agreed Personal Terms’ With United
The Athletic reported back in September that despite a move failing to materialise, United had agreed personal terms with Baleba over a move.
With United now closing in on Champions League football next season, and with the player still keen on a switch to Old Trafford, those are unlikely to be an issue in the coming months.
The Red Devils will hope to land the African midfielder for a lower price, considering his 2025-26 season hasn’t quite been at the same level as the 2024-25 one that convinced United they had to sign him.
Baleba is Perfect Casemiro Replacement
If United are looking for a midfielder with Premier League experience to sit in front of the back four like Casemiro does, then there will be few better options than Baleba.
While he hasn’t had the best 2025-26 season personally, having been taken off early on a handful of occasions this season, including in the 22nd minute of the defeat to Aston Villa last month, he still possesses the qualities that have seen United target him for the last 12 months.
According to WhoScored, his main strengths are his physicality, ball-winning skills and ability to compete for aerial duels, which will be key for United if they have a more forward-thinking midfielder like an Anderson or Wharton alongside him.