Carlos Baleba transfer: Manchester United secure verbal agreement with Brighton

Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement with Brighton to sign Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba during the current summer transfer window, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.

Romano reported on Friday that the deal for the 21-year-old had been settled after Manchester United submitted an improved offer. Brighton had rejected an earlier proposal worth £65m, but negotiations have now advanced with Baleba preparing to move to Old Trafford.

“Breaking.. Carlos Baleba player of Brighton will move to Manchester United.. the deal is done,” Romano wrote on his account on X.

He added: “There is already a verbal agreement between the two clubs.. An improved bid was sent today after the previous bid of £65 million was rejected, and the player is preparing to join the only club he wanted.”

The total value of the transfer is expected to be £65m, with a further £5m available in add-ons.

Romano later said Baleba would become a Manchester United player shortly, adding that the Cameroon international had received permission from Brighton to travel. Manchester United have booked a medical for the midfielder over the weekend.

“Understand Carlos Baleba to Man United deal fee will be £65m plus £5m add-ons. Cameroon midfielder has authorization to travel from Brighton as Manchester United have booked a medical over the weekend. Here we go, confirmed,” Romano posted.

He also published a further update stating: “Breaking: Carlos Baleba to Manchester United, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between clubs. Improved bid sent today after £65m package rejected and player set to join the only club he wanted. Baleba, new Manchester United player soon.”

Baleba’s move would represent a significant addition to Manchester United’s midfield, although the transfer still requires the completion of his medical before it can be formally finalised.

The player joined Brighton from Lille and has established himself as an important midfielder for the Premier League club. His performances have attracted interest during the summer market, with Manchester United now moving ahead after increasing their offer.

The proposed agreement would make Baleba the latest African player to join Manchester United and would see him leave Brighton after the two clubs reached an understanding over the structure of the transfer.

The midfielder is expected to undergo his medical examination over the weekend, following the travel approval granted by Brighton. If that process is completed successfully, Manchester United will be able to complete the move for a fee of £65m, potentially rising by another £5m through performance-related add-ons.