Man United's Carlos Baleba bid proves lessons from Frenkie de Jong

Man Utd Carlos Baleba is poised to fill the midfield void left after United’s failed pursuit of Frenkie de Jong in 2022, with a £65 million bid reported on 20 Aug 2026. The club, seeking a rapid‑fire signing, aims to avoid past transfer missteps and strengthen the centre of the pitch.

Andrey Santos' move from Chelsea arrived out of the blue, while United triggered Youri Tielemans' £35 million release clause for a smooth transaction. The midfield rebuild generated plenty of noise over the summer, yet the club kept a low profile. Fans have been frustrated by the lack of updates since the July 14 signing of Tielemans.

Midfield rebuild and recent signings

United's quiet approach contrasted with the usual galactico chatter, as the Red Devils avoided tedious sagas. The club’s hierarchy, now free of former CEO Richard Arnold and sporting director John Murtagh, has shifted strategy. OUR analysis suggests the new regime values stealth over spectacle.

Man Utd Carlos Baleba is now in line to become United’s next rapid‑fire signing after a £65 million bid was submitted on 20 Aug 2026. Earlier reports had listed Sander Berge, Manu Kone and Aurelien Tchouameni as preferred targets, but United pivoted to the Brighton midfielder. The offer of £60 million plus £5 million in add‑ons remains under discussion.

Baleba bid versus De Jong saga

ImagesManchester United tried to get Frenkie de Jong in 2022 (Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images), a pursuit that highlighted a lacklustre transfer strategy. CEO Richard Arnold and sporting director John Murtagh were spotted in Barcelona in mid‑July 2022, reaching an agreement in principle that never materialised. United's reluctance to sign the Dutchman proved a stumbling block, and the saga dragged on for two months.

Erik ten Hag insisted the De Jong deal could be done, but after two early defeats the club coughed up £70 million for 30‑year‑old Casemiro, signing him to a four‑year contract. This summer departure of Casemiro underscores how the new MAN hierarchy at UTD learned from past errors. Sport the recruitment staff had warned the signing was impossible, yet the manager persisted.

United will have to raise its bid for Baleba, as the current £60 million plus £5 million in add‑ons is deemed insufficient. The club saved a good chunk of money by waiting after Brighton initially quoted £100 million for the Cameroon international. Now the Red Devils also eye Lewis Hall, though Newcastle’s recent sales make the target unlikely this summer. Get ready for a deadline‑day announcement as United finalises the deal.