Manchester United Close In on Carlos Baleba Deal Worth More Than £60m

Cameroon midfielder preparing to travel to Manchester as United near agreement with Brighton

Manchester United are closing in on a full agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for Carlos Baleba, with the Cameroon international expected to become the club’s latest major midfield addition. The deal is understood to be worth more than £60 million, although the final fee and payment structure are still being negotiated. United already have a five-year contract prepared for the 22-year-old, who is expected to sign once the transfer is formally completed.

Baleba is reportedly preparing to travel to Manchester, with a medical expected to be arranged quickly once the two clubs finalise the remaining details. United have maintained a long-standing interest in the midfielder, with their pursuit dating back to last season. The club also explored the possibility of signing him during the January transfer window, but a move failed to materialise at that stage.

Baleba set to strengthen United's midfield

If completed, Baleba would become United’s third midfield signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. His profile, however, is different from those additions. The former Lille midfielder is particularly valued for his defensive ability, physicality and capacity to cover ground, qualities United have been seeking to add to their midfield.

Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and has since made 112 appearances for the Premier League club. He played 35 times last season, although his campaign was interrupted by international duty with Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations. He is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury suffered during pre-season, but the problem is not expected to keep him sidelined for an extended period.

A calculated gamble after a difficult season

The proposed transfer nevertheless carries an element of risk. Baleba's reputation soared after an impressive 2024/25 campaign, when he established himself as one of the Premier League’s leading young defensive midfielders. His performances attracted interest from several major European clubs, with Brighton previously placing a valuation of more than £100 million on the player.

His form subsequently dipped, however, with his numbers declining and his performances failing to consistently match the level he had previously shown. United would therefore be investing heavily in a player whose most recent season was less convincing than the campaign that initially made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young midfielders.

Why United remain convinced

Despite those concerns, Baleba possesses several attributes that could address clear weaknesses in United’s midfield. His athleticism, aggression, ball-winning ability and capacity to carry possession through midfield could provide greater physical presence and authority in the centre of the pitch. He can also win possession in deeper areas before driving the team forward.

At just 22, Baleba also has significant room for development. His admiration for players such as Paul Pogba, Yaya Touré and Andrés Iniesta highlights the technical and creative ambitions behind his physical style. United would therefore not simply be signing a defensive midfielder but betting on his potential to develop into a complete player at the highest level.

United betting on Baleba's potential

The transfer represents a significant financial commitment, particularly given Baleba’s inconsistent form over the past year. But United appear convinced that his age, physical qualities and previous performances make the gamble worthwhile. If the remaining negotiations are successfully concluded, Baleba could soon join a revamped midfield and become one of the key pieces of United’s long-term project.