Manchester United Revive Carlos Baleba Pursuit as Fabrizio Romano Confirms Valid Verbal Agreement for Summer Move

Manchester United target Carlos Baleba for a £50m summer move. Fabrizio Romano confirms a valid verbal agreement as United look to replace Casemiro.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 24, 2026, 6:18 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

The Persistence of the Baleba Pursuit

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Cameroon international Carlos Baleba remains the centerpiece of Manchester United’s midfield recruitment strategy. Despite failing to secure the player in 2025 due to Brighton’s staggering valuation, United have maintained contact with the player’s camp. According to Romano, the personal terms agreed upon during the previous August remain on the table, and the player is reportedly "very keen" to finalize the move to Manchester. The club’s scouting department continues to view Baleba as the ideal profile to anchor the midfield for the next decade.

Valuation Shifts and Market Opportunities

Last summer, Manchester United’s lack of Champions League revenue hampered their ability to compete for high-value targets, especially after significant investments in Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha. At the time, Brighton demanded a fee exceeding £100 million, citing the benchmark set by Moises Caicedo’s move to Chelsea. However, internal reports from The Athletic suggest United now value the midfielder at roughly £50 million. This 50% drop in expected cost stems from a season where Baleba has struggled to maintain his early-career momentum, potentially making him a bargain in the current market.

The Role of Michael Carrick in Recruitment

The potential arrival of Baleba coincides with the possible permanent appointment of Michael Carrick as Manchester United’s head coach. Romano revealed that the internal feeling at Old Trafford is "very positive" regarding Carrick’s interim tenure, noting his tactical approach and strong relationship with both senior and academy players. Carrick is reportedly involved in the club's "shortlist" discussions, and his approval of Baleba’s profile suggests a shift toward a more mobile and technically proficient defensive midfield setup. A final decision on Carrick’s contract is expected following the conclusion of the Premier League season.