Ruben Amorim Tells Man United Chiefs: ‘Sign Baleba and a Goalkeeper, and It’s a Fantastic Window

Manchester United’s summer transfer activity has already been bold and ambitious, but behind closed doors at Old Trafford, manager Ruben Amorim has made it clear that the club’s work is not yet done.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Portuguese coach has been telling United’s hierarchy in recent internal meetings that Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is now the club’s “top target.” While Amorim is delighted with the business already completed — bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Šeško, and left wingback Diego Leon — he believes adding Baleba, and possibly a goalkeeper, would transform the Reds’ window from good to “fantastic.”

“Ruben Amorim, during internal meetings, has been quite clear with the people at the club,” Romano reported. “Super happy with the transfer window… but internally he feels if Man United can bring in a midfielder and maybe a goalkeeper, that would be a fantastic window.”

A midfielder who could make the difference

Baleba, 21, has emerged as one of Brighton’s most valuable young talents since joining from Lille in 2022. Known for his physical presence, ball-winning ability, and composure in possession, the Cameroon-born midfielder has attracted interest from multiple top European clubs. For United, his arrival could add steel and dynamism to a midfield that still looks vulnerable when Casemiro is absent or off form.

While the attack now appears well-stocked following the arrivals of Cunha, Mbeumo, and Šeško, Amorim knows that control in midfield is key to sustaining a title challenge and competing deep in Europe. Baleba, in his view, fits the profile perfectly.

Talks with Brighton will be decisive

United are confident that Baleba is keen on a move to Old Trafford, with personal terms not expected to be an obstacle. The challenge lies in persuading Brighton to sell. The Seagulls are notoriously tough negotiators, and any deal would likely require United to break their transfer record for a midfielder.

The club is expected to open more formal discussions with Brighton in the coming days to gauge their stance. Insiders believe these talks will be critical — if Brighton signal any willingness to negotiate, the deal could “spark into life” quickly. If the response is a firm no, United may be forced to shelve their pursuit until next summer.

The financial balancing act

To fund such a significant signing, United may need to generate sales. Players on the fringes of Amorim’s squad could be moved on, while the club continues to manage its budget under financial fair play regulations. That’s why timing is crucial: the final weeks of the transfer window often create opportunities for big moves, but also leave little margin for error.

Why Amorim sees Baleba as the missing piece

Amorim’s insistence on strengthening midfield shows his focus on building a balanced squad. In the Premier League last season, United often struggled in matches where they failed to dominate central areas — losing the midfield battle frequently led to dropped points. Baleba’s energy, defensive reading, and ability to transition quickly from defence to attack could address that weakness.

If Amorim gets his way, United’s summer business will not only have reshaped their attack but also reinforced their spine, giving them a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.