Man Utd make ‘final call’ over Palmer and Baleba
8 May 2026 07:03 BST |
5 min read
Manchester United’s summer transfer plans have become clearer, with the Old Trafford club making a “final call” over Chelsea’s Cole Palmer as their stance over Brighton’s Carlos Baleba also becomes clearer.
United find themselves in the market for at least one – but probably more – midfielders this season. Casemiro’s impending departure means that at least one defensively minded player is required, while the Red Devils also want further options to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League next season.
The list of players linked with a move to Man Utd remains extensive and prone to changing, and the picture has now become clearer regarding transfers for both Palmer and Baleba.
Man Utd ‘rule out’ Palmer deal
United have decided that a move for the Chelsea star is not a priority for them this summer, according to The Mirror.
While there seemed to be a real prospect of Palmer moving back to Manchester earlier this year, the 24-year-old has done his best to quell rumours, despite discontent among several star players at Chelsea, most notably Enzo Fernandez.
The England man has also not been close to his best form, and United have elected to take a step back from a deal.
Palmer has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €98 million, while his asking price sits at €105m (£90m). On top of this, he has a contract worth €63m (£54.6m) until 2033 at Chelsea, making any move ‘hard to justify financially’ for United.
With Bruno Fernandes ready to commit his future to the club, it is also unclear how both could fit in the same team.
Baleba deal is on – at the right price
One deal that has not been dismissed is a move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, with United ready to rekindle their interest in the Cameroon international midfielder.
Baleba was a player they sought to sign last summer, but were put off by the Seagulls’ valuation of over €100m. The 22-year-old ex-Lille star has not enjoyed the same prominence in the Premier League this season, but United remain ready to explore a deal.
Again, this will depend on Brighton’s willingness to sell at a price they see as reasonable, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs.
“Baleba is not in the decline, Manchester United still see the potential,” he told The United Stand.
“They don’t have to go to the player side because they agreed terms last summer, so if they choose to proceed, it’s straight in the front door negotiating with Brighton.
“Brighton have not yet given anybody a number, so my info on Man Utd is if they go for Baleba, they don’t want to go above that £70 million number, and they want, therefore, a lower deal than the £75m they were prepared to pay last summer.”
The transfer picture is slowly becoming clearer at United, then. A move for Palmer has been dismissed, but Baleba remains a strong possibility – but only at the right price.
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