Manchester United to pay ‘big money’ to seal Carlos Baleba signing

Manchester United are edging closer to securing the signing of Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba, though the Red Devils are expected to pay a hefty fee to convince Brighton & Hove Albion to part ways with their rising star.

Baleba, who has been on United’s radar for months, was close to completing a major move to Old Trafford during the recent summer window.

However, negotiations between United and Brighton stalled, causing the deal to collapse at the final stages.

Despite that setback and a difficult start to the 2025/26 season at the AMEX Stadium, interest from Old Trafford has not cooled.

The 21-year-old is regarded as a priority target by United’s hierarchy as they continue their search for midfield reinforcements following their failure to replace Christian Eriksen. Baleba features prominently on a shortlist that also includes Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.

Brighton are expected to demand more than €100 million to sanction a transfer in 2026, a figure that would make the Cameroonian one of the most expensive midfielders in Premier League history.

Yet Manchester United remain frontrunners for his signature, with the club reportedly prepared to pay “big money” to complete the deal.

Former Mali international Cédric Kanté believes the midfielder’s departure from Brighton is only a matter of time, insisting that Baleba is destined for one of the league’s top clubs.

It is understood that Manchester United will reopen talks with Brighton next month to try and agree a deal for Baleba.