Brighton chairman Tony Bloom has revealed that Manchester United made a move for Carlos Baleba during the summer transfer window, Afrosport reports.
The 21-year-old Cameroonian was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford and seen as a key piece in head coach Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild after finishing a dismal 15th during the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Brighton reportedly set a price tag of £100 million after letting United know he was not for sale, which led them to pull the plug on a potential deal.
“I don’t think Baleba was a saga,” Bloom told The Argus.
“There was interest from Manchester United, and we said that he wasn’t available this summer and they went away.
“So we’ve had many bigger sagas in the past. But Carlos Baleba, his improvement has been immense.
“Massively important player to this football club, and just delighted that he’s with us for this season.”
Baleba, who has played nine times in all competitions this season, is under contract at Brighton until 2028, but is likely to leave the Seagulls next summer if United or any other top side come with an offer that favours both parties.
