Ruben Amorim ‘in love’ with Premier League midfielder, Man Utd feel he is the ‘perfect player’

Manchester United are reportedly “in love” with Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, even though a transfer in this summer window looks impossible. United are expected to finish their signings before the transfer window closes on September 1. However, it has emerged that the Red Devils won’t be able to bring in Baleba this year, but will try for him in the next summer window in 2026.

According to Fabrizio Romano, United see Baleba as a long-term target and believe he could be the perfect addition to their midfield. Baleba, who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 as a replacement for Moises Caicedo, has quickly become one of the most exciting young midfielders in the Premier League. He is now starting his third season in England.

United reportedly tried to sign him this summer and were even ready to pay a club record fee, but Brighton made it clear they will not sell him at any price right now. That has forced United to look at other midfield options, or to wait until next year for Brighton to get ready for a deal involving Baleba, Romano reported.

United’s interest in Baleba is still not over

He explained that United’s interest is very serious and is still not over. He said manager Ruben Amorim and the club’s management are “in love” with Baleba and believe he is the ideal player for the future. Romano also revealed that Manchester United have already had talks with Baleba’s agents, and the conversations were very positive.

“At the moment, I can guarantee that nothing has changed with Brighton. They  maintain a very high wall around Baleba; they want to keep the player for this summer,” Romano explained on his YouTube channel.

“Manchester United for 2026, so not this transfer window, but for the future, will maintain the name of Carlos Baleba very high on their shortlist. Amorim is in love, because the management is in love, because the recruitment team is in love, so they believe that Baleba is the perfect player,” he added.

“And when you have that kind of strong feeling, very good connection with the player, very good connection with his agents, because when Man United had talks with his agents in the recent weeks, it was very positive. Over contract, personal terms, intention to join, even without European football, I don’t think it’s over for the future between United and Baleba. They will really try again for the player in the future,” he concluded.

🚨🇨🇲 Brighton closed doors to Carlos Baleba exit for this summer… and Man United will keep his name on the list for 2026.

Manchester United love Baleba, seen as ideal player for Amorim and will likely remain a target for next year.

🎥 https://t.co/jaaT6ENeHs pic.twitter.com/cS1Ja4SrCK

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2025

While Baleba is seen as a strong contender for the next summer window, United still need a midfielder to fill the gaps this season. As per reports, Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller is among the probable candidates, but there is no guarantee that the move will take place or any player will come in to address the midfield concerns. Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana is also on the shortlist as per European media.