David Ornstein, football journalist from The Athletic, shared exclusive news via social‑media: Manchester United are closing in on an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion to sign Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Manchester United have tabled an offer worth approximately £60 million plus £5 million in add‑ons for the 22‑year‑old midfielder. Although this sum falls below Brighton’s valuation, friendly negotiations are ongoing between all parties in an effort to reach consensus.
Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury. The problem is not serious and he is not expected to be sidelined for an extended period.
Midfield reinforcement has been Manchester United’s key priority in this summer transfer window. Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have already joined from Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively. The club had previously reached an agreement with Atalanta for midfielder Ederson, but later pulled out of the deal over concerns regarding potential knee‑injury risks.
Should the Baleba transfer move forward smoothly, he will become one of the first‑team midfield options for head coach Michael Carrick alongside Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.
Manuel Ugarte is currently recovering from a knee injury sustained while representing Uruguay at the World Cup, while Mason Mount missed the final two pre‑season fixtures.
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in the summer of 2023 and has made 112 appearances for the south‑coast English club. He featured 35 times last season, missing part of the campaign due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.
