Manchester United confront £100m price for Carlos Baleba as market spikes ahead of window

£100m price tag for 22‑year‑old Carlos Baleba has resurfaced as Manchester United, overseen by Michael Carrick, intensify their search for a midfield anchor ahead of the new season. The club, still rebuilding after missing Mateus Fernandes, must decide whether to meet Brighton's valuation or look elsewhere.

Mateus Fernandes is set to remain in London after completing a transfer to Tottenham, according to the report. His departure leaves Manchester United without the midfielder they had targeted.

Manchester United approached Brighton for Carlos Baleba last summer, but Brighton's £100m price tag deterred the English club. The Seagulls' valuation reflects their belief in the player's potential.

The report states that offers below £70m are unlikely to be considered for Baleba, and that the player reportedly only wants to join Manchester United. He featured regularly for Fabio Hurzeler’s side last term.

Alex Scott, the Bournemouth midfielder, is valued at around £80m after a standout season and his first England call‑up under Thomas Tuchel. Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea are also monitoring his situation.

Manchester United’s shortlist also includes Ederson, expected to arrive from Atalanta once his Brazil World Cup duties end, as well as Aurelien Tchouameni and Sander Berge. The spread covers varied styles and price ranges.

The high fees cited for Baleba and Scott illustrate a broader inflation in the Premier League midfield market. United must balance the need for quality depth with the risk of overpaying in a competitive transfer window.