Overview
- Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba suffered an ankle ligament injury in early August 2026 and is expected to miss several weeks, according to reporting by David Ornstein that was repeated across outlets.
- Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Manchester United are not proceeding with the Baleba move for the time being because the injury complicates any transfer.
- United have already signed Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos this window, which has eased the pressure to add a third central midfielder immediately.
- Brighton view the injury as unlikely to be long term and Baleba is expected to remain at the Amex in the near term, while his prior hamstring issue at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has added to clubs’ medical caution.
- United also saw an initial enquiry for Newcastle full-back Lewis Hall rejected and may instead consider other midfield options such as Sander Berge or Tyler Adams or choose not to make a third signing this summer as they complete their midfield rebuild.