United handed double boost in pursuit of Amorim’s “number one” midfield target ahead of January – report

Manchester United have just received a double boost in their bid to bring Carlos Baleba to Old Trafford. Last summer, United head coach Ruben Amorim was eager to strengthen his engine room with the dynamic and athletic Baleba. The Portuguese tactician was convinced that the Brighton & Hove Albion star was the perfect fit for his system. However, the Seagulls’ ambitious demands—a fee in excess of £100 million for the 21‑year‑old—forced United to cool their interest. By refusing to pursue an alternative, United gave a clear signal they intended to return for him. Now, their plan to reignite the pursuit has been handed a double boost. First, it has emerged that Brighton believe they have already identified Baleba’s ideal replacement. 19‑year‑old wonderkid lined up as Baleba’s successor According to Fussball Transfers, the Seagulls view Ghanaian prodigy Caleb Yirenkyi, 19, of Danish side Nordsjaelland, as the long‑term successor to Baleba. The report notes: “Whether Brighton will make a move as early as January remains to be seen. This could be largely due to the urgency of replacing Baleba.” United supporters will hope Brighton act decisively in January, and there are growing hints they might. Brighton open to realistic Baleba exit talks Just before Yirenkyi’s links surfaced, Caught Offside revealed that Brighton were prepared to sanction a January departure for Baleba. The outlet reported: “Brighton’s valuation is understood to have dropped…” “While Brighton remain determined to secure a strong fee, they are now open to negotiations at a more realistic level, especially if serious bids arrive in January.” Caught Offside added that if all parties can reach common ground, Baleba could easily complete a winter switch. Such a move would delight Amorim, who sees Baleba as the upgrade his midfield desperately needs—a signing that could strengthen United’s push to return to Europe. Baleba swoop set to shape Ugarte and Mainoo’s futures Should United finally land Baleba in January, it is expected to trigger a reshuffle in the midfield. Manuel Ugarte could be allowed to depart, with Nice and Galatasaray both keen. Meanwhile, INEOS may be forced into a definitive call on Kobbie Mainoo’s future, with the youngster reportedly considering an exit. Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.