Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in a deal worth up to £70 million. The transfer, which follows a breakthrough in negotiations on Friday evening, will see United pay an initial £65 million with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons. Brighton have also secured a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
The 22-year-old Cameroon international is now cleared to undergo a medical at Old Trafford this weekend. Baleba, who originally joined Brighton from Lille for £23.2 million in August 2023, is currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the club’s pre-season training camp in Austria.
United identified the midfielder as a priority target this week to bolster their squad following the earlier signings of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The move marks the conclusion of United’s midfield recruitment efforts, which were initiated following the departure of Casemiro upon the expiration of his contract. Manuel Ugarte, another player expected to leave, remains at the club after sustaining a serious knee injury while on international duty with Uruguay.
The acquisition will bring Manchester United’s total summer spending to £153 million. While the fee is significant, it represents a notable saving compared to the valuation Brighton had set as the 2025 transfer deadline neared. The player’s own desire to complete the move to the north of England was a key factor in accelerating the negotiations.
Head coach Michael Carrick is expected to utilize Baleba to provide additional athleticism in the middle of the park. The club is also weighing its options regarding the left-back position to provide competition for Luke Shaw. While Baleba is primarily a midfielder, he is a left-footed player who has experience in that role, potentially offering cover alongside right-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui.
As United prepare for their upcoming Premier League fixture against newly promoted Hull City, they will be boosted by the availability of England international Kobbie Mainoo, who returns to the squad for the Saturday lunchtime kickoff. The report also notes that it will take United’s summer spending up to £153m, once the deal goes through.
