MU abandons the £100 million star over just one comment

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom disclosed that the club flatly turned down Manchester United in the Carlos Baleba transfer, causing the "Red Devils" to pull out right after receiving the feedback.

Manchester United had identified Carlos Baleba as one of their top targets to strengthen the midfield during the summer 2025 transfer window. However, the deal quickly stalled when Brighton & Hove Albion firmly rejected all offers. Recently, chairman Tony Bloom revealed details of the negotiation process, explaining why the "Red Devils" had to step back early.

According to Mr. Bloom's statement to The Argus, Man Utd approached Brighton aiming to sign Baleba, the rapidly rising Cameroonian midfielder playing for the southern English club. Nevertheless, Brighton made it clear that the 21-year-old was not available for transfer, leaving Manchester representatives no choice but to “turn around.”

“I don’t think the Baleba case is a complicated story. There was interest from Manchester United, we told them he’s not part of this summer’s transfer plans and that was the end of it.” Tony Bloom shared.

The chairman of the “Seagulls” also stated that if Brighton had to sell Baleba, the price tag would be €120 million (around £104.6 million), a sum too high for Man Utd to meet given their spending restrictions under Financial Fair Play (FFP).

Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and quickly established himself as one of the most promising central midfielders in the Premier League. With excellent stamina, ball recovery skills, and good playmaking ability, he is regarded as the "new gem" of the team coached by Fabian Hurzeler. Bloom commented:

“Carlos Baleba has made remarkable progress. He is a crucial part of our long-term plan, and we are delighted he will stay for this season.”

If he leaves, Baleba would join the list of stars who have departed Brighton in recent years such as Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Trossard, and Robert Sanchez. However, Tony Bloom insists the club does not want to be labeled as a “selling club.”

“We are not a club that specializes in selling players. Almost every club has to sell their stars when the right offer comes along. The key is timing and mutual benefit.”

By successfully retaining Baleba, Brighton continues to assert its position as one of the clubs that protect their most valuable assets well, even when faced with interest from giants like Manchester United.