Manchester United are close to finalizing a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba with a fee expected to exceed £60m, alongside a prepared five-year contract. The transfer addresses a pressing midfield need following Casemiro’s departure and a major injury to Manuel Ugarte.
Manchester United’s Pursuit of Carlos Baleba and Brighton & Hove Albion
Manchester United have moved swiftly to reshape their central midfield. While early speculation linked the club to Nottingham Forest player Elliot Anderson and other targets such as Tchouameni, Scott, Kone, Berge, and Adams, recruitment plans ultimately focused on securing Carlos Baleba. United are nearing a full agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for the 22-year-old Cameroon international, with a deal anticipated to be worth in excess of £60m. Sky Sports News has been reporting on United’s interest in Baleba since last autumn and broke the news that they enquired about signing him during the January transfer window. This summer, there has been stealth behind United’s work, contrasted with past windows like 2022 when pursuit of Frenkie de Jong dragged on until August before defeats by Brighton and Brentford triggered a deal for Casemiro. The Santos deal was wrapped up within a week, and the Tielemans one was less than that.
Brighton Stance and Valuation on Baleba
Paul Barber Addresses Brighton & Hove Albion Speculation on Carlos Baleba
Brighton chief Paul Barber addressed the mounting speculation surrounding the midfielder, emphasizing that the club will only consider departures that make economic sense. Previous interest from elite clubs, including a reported valuation exceeding £100m a year prior by Brighton, had previously kept Baleba at the Amex Stadium after he joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and made 112 appearances for the club, featuring 35 times last season while also missing a spell to represent Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“It’s not something that I can talk about right now. I mean this time of year as you know we’re always going to be subject to bids for our players. We are always going to be interested in ones that are sensible and that are going to make sense for us financially and economically.”
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Paul Barber, Brighton chief
Barber also noted that any sale must be balanced against the club’s broader sporting objectives, particularly with European football on the horizon as the club competes in competitions like the Europa Conference League. While Brighton initially considered United’s opening bid of £60 million plus £5m in add-ons to be slightly below their valuation, positive talks between the two clubs have continued. Barber described Baleba as a hugely talented young midfielder who has attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world for a couple of years.
Midfield Reinforcements and Strategic Shifts at Old Trafford
Manchester United Add Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to Squad Options
The pursuit of Baleba follows a busy transfer window for Manchester United, who have already added Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48 million and activated the £35m release clause of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. These additions became necessary after a Casemiro departure and a major injury to Manuel Ugarte left the squad short on options.
Brighton CEO Paul Barber REFUSES TO COMMENT on Carlos Baleba's ADVANCED DEAL to join Man United!
According to reporting, United’s recruitment strategy has evolved to feature greater discretion and speed compared to previous protracted pursuits, such as the lengthy saga surrounding Frenkie de Jong in 2022 when Erik ten Hag felt certain he could complete a deal that recruitment staff called impossible. Mason Mount had also received consideration as a potential third midfielder following exceptional early form in pre-season, but an early exit in the encounter with Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August—described as precautionary—has left Mount still to return from a foot injury, heightening concerns around his injury record.
Gamble or Game-Changer: What Baleba Brings to Manchester United
Carlos Baleba Prepares to Travel to Manchester for Medical Plans
Baleba arrives with clear athletic upside, though analysts point out that his form dipped dramatically during the most recent season following a standout breakout campaign where he was among the league’s leading defensive midfielders during the 2024/25 season. Having made 112 appearances for Brighton since arriving from Lille in 2023, he offers specific defensive power, aggression, athleticism, and the ability to carry the ball through midfield that fits United’s requirements for greater authority and ball-winning capability in deeper areas. The player has spoken of his admiration for Paul Pogba, Yaya Toure, and Andres Iniesta, while Neymar and Ronaldinho were among his favorite players.
The 22-year-old is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury picked up during pre-season, though it is not expected to keep him out for an extended period. Upon finalization of the agreement, Baleba is preparing to travel to Manchester where medical plans will be scheduled swiftly, with a five-year contract already prepared for his signature as he prepares to become United’s third addition in midfield after Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
EXCLUSIVE!🤯 Man United £65M Sensational Deal Done!✅ Carlos Baleba Reached Full Agreement!✍️TODAY😱
Senior Editor, Sport
Luis is a respected sports journalist with several national writing awards. He covers major leagues, global tournaments, and athlete profiles, blending analysis with captivating storytelling.
