Carlos Baleba transfer to Manchester United moves closer as Brighton talks continue

Manchester United are moving closer to an agreement to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, despite a gap between the clubs’ respective valuations of the Cameroon international.

The Red Devils were strongly linked with Baleba during last summer’s transfer window but were unable to complete a deal for the 22-year-old. Brighton valued him at more than €115m at the time, although his 2025-26 campaign at the Amex Stadium was less convincing than the previous season.

United’s interest appeared to cool in recent weeks. Baleba had made his desire to join the club clear, but Manchester United have already strengthened in midfield this summer with the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. His current ankle injury, combined with concerns over his performances last season, may also have made the club more cautious.

However, negotiations have continued behind the scenes. According to The Athletic, Manchester United are now edging closer to an agreement for the transfer.

Transfer specialist David Ornstein reports that United have submitted an offer worth €70m, with a further €6m available in bonuses. That proposal remains below Brighton’s demands, but talks between the two clubs are continuing and an agreement is expected soon.

Journalist Ben Jacobs says Baleba has already agreed to move to Old Trafford, with personal terms settled for the midfielder. Joining Manchester United has reportedly been his preferred destination this summer.

Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in the summer of 2023. He has since made 112 appearances for the Seagulls, scoring four goals and providing two assists. Last season, he played 35 matches for the club but missed December and January while representing Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The midfielder is currently sidelined with an ankle injury suffered at the start of pre-season. According to BBC Sport, he is expected to be out for only another two or three weeks.

That recovery timeline could allow Baleba to make his Manchester United debut in September if the transfer is completed as expected. United have two Premier League fixtures scheduled in August, travelling to Hull City on 22 August before hosting Ipswich Town on 30 August.

They then visit Everton on 6 September before welcoming Manchester City for the Manchester derby on 13 September. Baleba could potentially be available to make his first appearance for the club in that fixture against the side managed by Enzo Maresca.

A more cautious approach could see Manchester United wait before introducing him, with the midfielder instead being held back for the Premier League trip to Fulham at Craven Cottage on 20 September.

United have already made two midfield additions during the summer window. Andrey Santos arrived from Chelsea, while Tielemans moved from Aston Villa. Both players represent significant competition for Baleba, alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, who is currently injured.

Baleba’s arrival would therefore give Manchester United another option in a midfield department that has already undergone considerable change this summer. The club must now resolve the remaining difference in valuation with Brighton to complete a deal for the Cameroon international.