Baleba Holds Talks with Bruno Fernandes Over Potential Manchester United Move

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba has reportedly initiated conversations with Bruno Fernandes regarding a summer switch to Manchester United, according to recent reports. The Cameroon international was strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford last year, with personal terms believed to have been fully agreed before the deal collapsed due to Brighton’s demand of over €115 million. United were unwilling to meet that valuation and subsequently pulled out of negotiations, opting against signing a new midfielder altogether at that time. However, the 20-time English champions have already secured their first midfield addition for 2026 in Atalanta’s Ederson, and they remain in the market for at least one more option as they look to replace the departing Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. Reports indicate that West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes has become a priority target, with United officials accepting defeat in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. The club also retains interest in Alex Scott, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Adam Wharton. Baleba remains on their radar, and The Sun has now revealed that he has been in contact with Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha about a potential move to Manchester United during the upcoming summer window. According to the report, Baleba spoke to both Fernandes and Cunha after United’s 3-0 victory at the AMEX Stadium on the final day of the Premier League season, engaging in a lengthy discussion with the latter in the tunnel following the match. The 21-year-old also interacted with Patrick Dorgu in the mixed zone after the game, and it is understood he shares close ties with former Lille teammate Leny Yoro and international colleague Bryan Mbeumo. United have yet to decide whether to seriously pursue a deal for Baleba this summer, but Brighton are reportedly willing to lower their €115m asking price following his difficult 2025-26 campaign. A move could thus materialize before Deadline Day. Nevertheless, Brighton are unlikely to make things easy for United, especially as they may lose key defender Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham Hotspur, with former boss Roberto De Zerbi seeking a reunion with the Netherlands international. The Seagulls have already seen James Milner retire this summer, but they have beaten Chelsea and Newcastle United to the signing of exciting winger Zadok Yohanna from AIK, who became their first acquisition of the window on June 6.