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Brighton & Hove Albion’s transfer plans could be exactly what Manchester United want to hear.

It is no secret that United are keen on Carlos Baleba. The Cameroon international’s front-footed style, combined with his mobility, which allows him to cover huge ground with ease, and his ability to excel out of possession, has made him one of the standout midfield targets for Ruben Amorim.

The Brighton midfield general was viewed as the ideal signing for Amorim’s tactical setup. But with the Seagulls adopting a firm “not for sale” stance, United saw little hope in pursuing the deal.

Baleba 2026 plan

INEOS opted to postpone the transfer, with plans to revive it in 2026.

While United intend to close that deal in 2026, despite competition from rivals like Liverpool, an intriguing update has emerged from the Amex.

Brighton recently appointed former Arsenal chief Jason Ayto as their new sporting director, following the departure of David Weir.

Taking over from Weir, Ayto is expected to continue Brighton’s sharp recruitment strategy. And according to TBR, he already has a clear idea of one or two players he wants to bring in to kick off his tenure in style.

A while back, Arsenal were linked with Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume, although nothing materialised.

Agoume wanted at Brighton

The midfielder’s links to an Emirates switch may well have been driven by Ayto, as he now wants Aguome at Brighton.

TBR reports:

“[Ayto] has targets in mind, and he brings with him some targets from his Arsenal days.

“Agoume is recognised as a player of huge potential and one who Brighton now see as a possible target heading into 2026.

“Although the Seagulls deny they are looking at Carlos Baleba replacements, it is clearly something they have to plan for heading into next year.”

Agoume is a classy midfielder whose style mirrors Baleba’s so closely that some struggle to tell them apart.

That is likely why Brighton is pursuing him; he is the perfect replacement for the 21-year-old midfield enforcer.

It is worth noting that United, alongside Arsenal, also considered signing the young La Liga midfielder as an alternative to Baleba.

Blessing in disguise

However, United’s decision not to pursue Agoume will prove wise; it could have complicated their pursuit of Baleba.

Resisting the temptation to sign Agoume may now pay off.

If Brighton does land him, he becomes Baleba’s replacement. And with Baleba still feeling the sting of a missed move to United, the Seagulls may finally be open to letting him go.

Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

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