Overview

• INEOS leadership, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, intend to pursue Baleba in 2026 whether or not Ruben Amorim remains in charge, according to multiple reports citing TeamTalk.
• No formal bid for 2026 has been made, with reporting indicating United could lodge an approach next year.
• United held talks in summer 2025, when Baleba signaled interest in joining but did not push to leave as Brighton chose to keep him.
• Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler said the transfer links have distracted the 21-year-old and contributed to a dip in his early-season form.
• Liverpool are also tracking the midfielder, while United view his high-energy profile as addressing deficiencies in their current engine room.