Manchester United set to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton in deal worth up to €81m

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for the transfer of Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to reports from leading international media.

The 22-year-old defensive midfielder is set to move to Old Trafford on a five-year contract, with the overall value of the deal expected to be slightly above €75m. The package could rise by almost €6m through performance-related bonuses, while Brighton have also negotiated a sell-on clause.

Sky Sports and The Athletic are among the outlets to have reported the agreement.

Baleba’s proposed move represents a significant profit for Brighton, who signed him from LOSC Lille three years ago for approximately €27m. During his time with the Seagulls, the Cameroon international has made 112 appearances, scoring four goals and providing two assists.

The transfer would make Baleba the second-most expensive sale in Brighton’s history. Only Moises Caicedo has generated a higher fee for the club.

Caicedo, an Ecuador international, left Brighton for Chelsea in 2023 in a deal that could eventually be worth about €133m once bonuses are included. Baleba’s move to Manchester United would therefore rank below that transfer but ahead of every other sale made by Brighton.

For Manchester United, the deal adds another major midfield investment to an expensive summer recruitment campaign. Baleba would be the third midfielder for whom the club have committed a substantial fee during the transfer window.

Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans had already joined the Red Devils, with the two deals together costing approximately €97m. Baleba’s arrival would take Manchester United’s midfield spending considerably higher, with the Cameroon player regarded as the latest addition to the club’s plans in that area of the squad.

His transfer also marks the next stage of a rapid rise since leaving LOSC Lille for Brighton. After establishing himself in the Premier League, Baleba has become one of the club’s most valuable assets, with his performances earning him a move to one of England’s biggest clubs.

Brighton’s agreement to sell him would continue the club’s record of developing players and securing sizeable transfer fees. Baleba’s fee, including the potential bonuses and the additional sell-on arrangement, is expected to provide Brighton with a substantial return on the investment they made three years ago.

Manchester United are now set to complete the move for the 22-year-old, subject to the final stages of the transfer process. His five-year commitment would make Baleba a long-term part of the club’s midfield plans.