UMVA has exclusively revealed that Manchester United is launching an aggressive pursuit to secure Brighton standout Carlos Baleba before the 2026 World Cup begins.
With Champions League football officially locked in for next season, the club’s hierarchy is moving quickly to finalize a blockbuster deal. The goal is to anchor a revamped engine room with the 22-year-old before the global tournament kicks off in North America.
UMVA has gathered that the club aims to bypass the inevitable market inflation that follows major international competitions. By acting now, they intend to provide their coaching staff with a vital foundational piece to build upon for the demanding campaign ahead.
The midfield landscape at Old Trafford is undergoing a massive transformation. With veteran Casemiro preparing to exit this June and Manuel Ugarte expected to depart after an unconvincing stint, the club has identified the center of the pitch as its top priority.
Baleba has earned a reputation as a relentless, high-energy force. While the club previously explored a serious move during the January transfer window, they were met with a firm refusal from the South Coast side.
Despite that setback, the young midfielder maintained complete professionalism, honoring his commitment to his current club while privately relishing the prospect of a move to Manchester. His dedication during that period has only strengthened the club's resolve to bring him in.
A significant advantage has emerged in the pursuit: because his national team failed to qualify for the upcoming tournament, Baleba faces an entirely uninterrupted summer break. This provides a clear, unobstructed runway for negotiations while other elite targets remain tied up in international camps.
Securing a talent of this caliber would be a major statement of intent. If the deal is completed, the club will have successfully navigated one of the most stubborn transfer environments in the league to land a cornerstone for the future.
