Overview

• TBR Football reports Liverpool could move for Carlos Baleba in 2026, introducing direct competition with Manchester United for the Brighton midfielder.
• Manchester United pursued Baleba in the summer of 2025 but backed away when Brighton quoted a fee in excess of £100 million, with plans reported to revisit the target next year.
• Brighton chairman Tony Bloom is described as holding a not-for-sale stance unless an offer tops the £115 million paid for Moisés Caicedo.
• Liverpool’s reported £414.5 million outlay this summer, including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, underscores their capacity to bid and aligns with analysis that a specialist defensive midfielder could balance their setup.
• Baleba, 21, has been a regular since a roughly £23 million switch from Lille, and journalist Dean Jones has suggested United are concerned about going head-to-head with Liverpool for his signature.