Exclusive: Manchester United agree £65m deal for Carlos Baleba

Red Devils move closer to signing Cameroon midfielder from Brighton

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion to sign Cameroon international Carlos Baleba in a deal worth a reported £65 million, with only a medical examination remaining before the transfer is completed.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the two Premier League clubs have finalised an agreement for the midfielder’s transfer, while Baleba has already agreed personal terms with Manchester United.

The move now appears to be entering its final stage, with an official announcement expected once the medical has been completed.

If confirmed, Baleba would become one of Manchester United’s biggest signings of the summer transfer window.

Medical expected after agreement between clubs

The reported agreement represents a significant step towards Baleba’s arrival at Old Trafford.

With negotiations between the clubs concluded and the player’s contractual terms already settled, attention now turns to the routine medical examination before the transfer can be finalised.

Manchester United have identified the Cameroon international as a key addition to their midfield, with the club seeking further quality and balance ahead of the new season.

The reported £65 million fee underlines the value placed on one of the Premier League’s emerging midfield talents after another impressive campaign with Brighton.

Baleba impressed during 2025-26 campaign

The 21-year-old continued his development during the 2025-26 season, establishing himself as an important figure in Brighton’s midfield.

Across all competitions, Baleba made 40 appearances, scoring four goals and providing two assists.

His performances attracted widespread praise for his energy, defensive contribution and ability to drive his team forward from midfield.

Baleba also earned recognition for his ball-winning ability, his dribbling through midfield areas and his role in launching attacking moves.

In an analysis published by The Athletic, Carl Anka described the Cameroon international as one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders, highlighting both his defensive qualities and his influence in possession.

Rapid rise from Lille to Premier League standout

Baleba’s progress has been swift since beginning his career at the Brasseries du Cameroun Football Academy.

He joined French club Lille in 2022 before securing a move to Brighton in the summer of 2023 in a transfer reported to be worth nearly £26 million, including bonuses.

During his time at Brighton, he gradually established himself as the successor to Moisés Caicedo and eventually became a regular starter for the Seagulls.

His club performances also strengthened his place in the Cameroon national team, where he has become one of the prominent figures of a new generation of Indomitable Lions players.

Manchester United target midfield reinforcement

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, head coach Ruben Amorim wanted to strengthen his midfield with a player already familiar with the intensity and physical demands of the Premier League.

Baleba’s profile is seen as matching those requirements, offering ball recovery, physical presence and the ability to contribute to the team’s build-up play.

Should he successfully complete his medical, the Cameroon international will become one of Manchester United’s marquee additions of the transfer window.

His expected arrival would reinforce a key area of the squad as the club continues its preparations for a new campaign with ambitions of challenging again in both domestic and European competitions.