However, Brighton & Hove Albion<\/a> stood firm. The Seagulls refused to part ways with the 21-year-old, whom Louis Saha has likened to a young Michael Carrick<\/a>, possessing both power and the legs to cover serious ground.<\/p>\n They slapped a \u201cnot for sale\u201d<\/a> tag on the Cameroonian international. INEOS, sensing resistance, cooled their interest with hopes of reigniting talks in 2026, when Brighton might be more open to negotiations.<\/p>\n Yet the failed transfer appears to have taken its toll. Baleba has not hit the same heights this season.<\/p>\n Last term, Flashscore rated him at 7.1. This campaign, he is down to 6.6.<\/p>\n Baleba swoop-backed<\/p>\n Despite his sluggish start, transfer guru David Ornstein remains convinced Baleba is tailor-made for United.<\/p>\n Speaking to Planet Football, Ornstein was asked to name one signing he would like each Premier League club to make. When it came to United, he did not hesitate:<\/p>\n \u201cCarlos Baleba, because they want him, he wants them, Brighton don\u2019t want to let him go, but we\u2019ll see what the future holds.\u201d<\/p>\n @planetfutebol<\/a>David Ornstein reveals who each Premier League big six side should sign! @Pro Am Padel Tour #futebol<\/a> #footballtiktok<\/a> #premierleague<\/a> #transfers<\/a>\u266c original sound \u2013 Planet Football<\/a><\/p>\n Baleba not the only midfield name on United\u2019s radar<\/p>\n Unfortunately, the failed swoop has dented Baleba\u2019s momentum. However, he must quickly rediscover his form.<\/p>\n Apart from him, United are already being linked with fine midfielders. Elliot Anderson<\/a>, Conor Gallagher<\/a>, Joao Gomes<\/a>, Angelo Stiller<\/a>, and Adam Wharton<\/a> are all reportedly on the club\u2019s radar.<\/p>\n Baleba now faces a challenge: prove his worth or risk United pivoting to alternative targets. One thing is sure: INEOS are planning a midfield revamp in 2026.<\/p>\n While Casemiro<\/a> and Bruno Fernandes<\/a> have brought some stability to the centre of the park, United could be better.<\/p>\n Amorim demands mobility in midfield, and he will only get it if United secure the young, athletic profiles he is after.<\/p>\n Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images<\/p>\n The Peoples Person has been one of the world\u2019s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social<\/a><\/p>\n
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