Overview

• Liverpool are weighing a 2026 move for Carlos Baleba to add a specialist defensive midfielder, according to multiple reports, setting up a contest with Manchester United after their summer approach stalled over price.
• Brighton resisted selling in the last window and are said to require a fee at or above the £115m Moises Caicedo benchmark set by chairman Tony Bloom.
• Manchester City are also credited with interest, further intensifying competition for the 21-year-old midfielder.
• Manchester United still view Baleba as a priority for their rebuild under Ruben Amorim, with reporting indicating they plan to return in 2026 after focusing funds on attack this summer.
• Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has linked Baleba’s uneven start to a mid-July knee injury and youth, urging him to stay humble as the club manages his minutes.