Manchester United are on the verge of completing a major addition to their midfield after agreeing a deal worth up to £70 million with Brighton for Cameroon international Carlos Baleba.
The breakthrough in negotiations on Friday means the 22-year-old midfielder is expected to undergo his medical with United this weekend before completing his move to Old Trafford.
United have agreed to pay an initial £65 million for Baleba, with a further £5 million potentially payable in add-ons. Brighton have also secured a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Baleba becomes latest midfield addition
The move represents another major step in United’s efforts to reshape their midfield under head coach Michael Carrick.
The club turned to Baleba after deciding that further reinforcement was needed despite already bringing in Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
Baleba is expected to provide greater athleticism and energy in the middle of the pitch, qualities United believe will strengthen Carrick’s options.
His willingness to make the move to Manchester also helped accelerate negotiations between the two clubs.
United spending reaches £153m
The transfer will take United’s spending during the summer window to approximately £153 million.
Despite the sizeable fee, the agreement represents a significant reduction from Brighton’s previous asking price as the 2025 transfer deadline approached.
Baleba joined Brighton from French club Lille in 2023 and has since established himself as an important player for the Seagulls.
His immediate involvement with United, however, could be delayed as he is currently recovering from an ankle injury suffered during Brighton’s pre-season training camp in Austria.
Left-back question remains
Baleba’s arrival could also give Carrick additional flexibility in dealing with United’s defensive needs.
The midfielder, who is naturally left-footed, has occasionally played at left-back, raising the possibility that he could provide cover in that position.
United are still considering whether to recruit a specialist left-back to compete with Luke Shaw or rely on Baleba, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui for additional options on that side of the defence.
Casemiro departure prompts midfield overhaul
The signing also completes what has been a significant midfield reshaping at Old Trafford following the departure of veteran Brazilian midfielder Casemiro at the end of his contract.
Manuel Ugarte had also been expected to leave during the transfer window, but his plans were disrupted by a serious knee injury suffered while on international duty with Uruguay.
United now have a considerably deeper midfield group, with Baleba joining Santos and Tielemans, while England international Kobbie Mainoo remains available for selection.
With the deal close to completion, Baleba’s arrival could become one of United’s most significant moves of the summer as Carrick looks to build a more dynamic and physically imposing squad.
