Brandt Free Transfer Unlikely Despite United Interest, Says Romano – But Baleba Deal Still Very Much On

Manchester United's summer recruitment plans are taking shape, but a potential swoop for Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt appears unlikely – at least for now.

Transfer authority Fabrizio Romano has suggested that whilst the Bundesliga winger, once dubbed 'junior Beckham' by Dortmund teammate Mahmoud Dahoud, is destined to leave the Signal Iduna Park, United are not actively chasing the deal. That said, Romano stopped short of completely ruling out a free transfer should circumstances shift.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained: "Could be one, could be two midfielders, but for Julian Brandt, also, there is a lot of movement, and for sure, he's going to leave Borussia Dortmund, so an interesting name to follow. According to some reports, there is also Manchester United involved. But I'm told at the moment, Man United are not actively pursuing this deal for Julian Brandt."

The Red Devils' recent resurgence under Michael Carrick – who took over from Ruben Amorim in January – has clearly sharpened focus on summer business. Carrick's impressive record of nine wins, two draws and two defeats from 13 matches has left United just two points shy of Champions League qualification, with the interim boss now expected to land the permanent role come summer.

United's summer shopping list is substantial. They're hunting at least two midfielders, a left-back, and a left-winger, having splurged heavily on attacking talent last summer and now shifting resources towards the engine room.

Baleba Remains Firmly in Sights

Brighton's Carlos Baleba, however, represents a far more concrete prospect. The Cameroon midfielder has remained a consistent target since last summer, and crucially, a verbal agreement struck in 2025 between player and club is still very much valid for this window.

Romano confirmed: "The player is still very keen on a move to Manchester United." He added that whilst nothing has been formally decided or progressed, Baleba continues to feature prominently on both the scouting department's and club hierarchy's shortlists.

Several variables still require ironing out, including the permanent managerial appointment, budget allocation, and Brighton's willingness to negotiate. Yet with Baleba's eagerness to make the move undiminished, United appear to have a genuine opportunity to land one of their primary midfield targets.

"What I can confirm is that the verbal agreement between Baleba and Manchester United from 2025 remains valid for 2026. The player is still very keen on a move to Manchester United," Romano stated.