Manchester United are on the brink of finalising a comprehensive agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for the services of promising midfielder Carlos Baleba. The English club already have a five‑year contract drafted and ready to be signed as soon as the transfer is formally sealed.
While the precise transfer fee and payment structure have not been nailed down, sources suggest the total value will exceed £60 million. Baleba, who is just 22 years old, is reportedly preparing to travel to Manchester in the coming days, where a medical examination will be arranged promptly once the paperwork is completed. The swift scheduling of the medical reflects United’s eagerness to secure the player before the summer window closes.
Sky Sports has been tracking United’s pursuit of Baleba since the autumn of last year and first reported that the Red Devils had made an enquiry during the January transfer window. At present the French‑born Cameroonian is recovering from an ankle‑ligament injury sustained in pre‑season training. Medical staff expect the setback to be minor and not to keep him out of action for any significant period.
Baleba remains one of United’s primary targets this summer and would become the third midfield signing after the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Both of those players have added depth, but the club believes Baleba offers a different blend of attributes that could transform the middle of the park. Born in Cameroon and having risen through the ranks at Lille, Baleba moved to Brighton in 2023. In his short spell at the Amex Stadium he accumulated 112 appearances across all competitions, featuring 35 times in the Premier League last season.
He missed a portion of that campaign while representing Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, where his performances were widely praised. Analyst William Bitibiri of Sky Sports reflected on Baleba’s trajectory, noting that a year ago the 21‑year‑old seemed destined for the very top of European football. After a breakout season in 2022‑23, he was widely regarded as one of the most coveted young midfielders in England, with several elite clubs circling.
Manchester United were among those who identified him as a potential game‑changing presence. However, Brighton’s valuation—reported to be north of £100 million—proved to be a stumbling block, and the move fell through, leaving Baleba at Brighton for another season. Since then his form has been inconsistent. Statistical outputs have dipped, and at times he appeared less decisive than the dynamic playmaker who had captured headlines the previous year.
This regression adds an element of risk to United’s interest, but it also means the price may be more realistic for a club willing to invest in his upside. From a tactical standpoint, United are seeking a midfielder who can combine defensive solidity with the ability to drive the ball forward. Baleba’s athleticism, aggressive tackling and capacity to cover large areas of the pitch align with the requirements of manager Erik ten Hag’s system, which has at times lacked a true ball‑winning presence in deeper zones. While Santos and Tielemans have contributed creativity and technical skill, Baleba would bring a specialist defensive edge, coupled with the stamina to transition quickly from defense to attack.
His youth is another compelling factor. At just 22, Baleba still has considerable room for development. He has spoken publicly about his admiration for players such as Paul Pogba, Yaya Toure and Andrés Iniesta, and even cites Neymar and Ronaldinho as childhood inspirations. These influences suggest a desire not only to excel physically but also to express himself creatively on the ball.
United’s coaching staff believe that, with the right guidance, Baleba could refine his decision‑making and consistency, evolving into a world‑class midfielder. The potential upside outweighs the risk for a club that has historically invested in young talent.
Signing Baleba would be a calculated gamble on the player he could become rather than the one he has shown over the past twelve months. If United can nurture his development, they stand to gain a midfield cornerstone who can dominate both defensively and in the transition phase, a profile that is scarce among Premier League options. In summary, Manchester United appear poised to complete a deal that will see Carlos Baleba join the club on a long‑term contract, with a fee likely surpassing £60 million.
The transfer would add a defensively adept, athletically gifted midfielder to an already strengthened midfield, offering the potential for significant growth. As the medical and final negotiations progress, United supporters can anticipate a new chapter for a player whose talent, if fully realised, could help propel the team back into contention for major honours.