Carlos Baleba transfer: Man Utd close to Brighton deal
Manchester United are close to reaching a full agreement with Brighton for Carlos Baleba.
The Cameroon midfielder is expected to travel to Manchester once the deal is concluded. He will then undergo a medical as the transfer moves towards completion.
The final fee and payment structure are still being negotiated. However, the deal is expected to be worth more than £60 million.
Manchester United already have a five-year contract prepared for Baleba. The midfielder is expected to sign it once both clubs complete the agreement.
Baleba set for Manchester United medical
The 22-year-old has remained one of Manchester United’s main midfield targets this summer.
The club have followed his progress for some time. United’s interest in the player dates back to last year, while they also made enquiries about him during the January transfer window.
Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury suffered during pre-season. The injury is not expected to keep him out for a long period.
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If the transfer is completed, Baleba will become United’s third midfield addition of the summer. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans are the other midfielders brought into the squad.
Baleba’s Brighton record
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and has since made 112 appearances for the club. He played 35 times last season. His campaign was interrupted by his involvement with Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The midfielder enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season before his performances dipped during the following campaign.
That inconsistency means Manchester United are taking a calculated risk with the transfer. Yet his playing style could make him a strong fit for their midfield.
What can Baleba bring to Man Utd?
Manchester United need more physical presence and defensive strength in midfield.
Baleba can offer both qualities. His athleticism allows him to cover ground quickly, while his aggression helps him compete for possession.
He is also comfortable carrying the ball through midfield. That ability could help United move from defence into attack with greater speed.
Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans provide different qualities. Baleba would add a more defensive dimension to the midfield, his age also makes the move attractive. At 22, he still has significant room for improvement.
Baleba has previously spoken about his admiration for midfielders such as Paul Pogba, Yaya Toure and Andres Iniesta. He has also cited Neymar and Ronaldinho among the players he enjoyed watching.
Those influences highlight a player who wants to combine physical strength with creativity and freedom on the ball.
Is Carlos Baleba a risk for Manchester United?
The transfer carries some risk because Baleba’s recent form has not matched the level he showed during his best period at Brighton. United would therefore be investing in both his current ability and his future potential.
His defensive work, athleticism and ball-carrying ability could address several weaknesses in the Manchester United midfield.
If he rediscovers his best form, Baleba could develop into one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders. For United, the challenge will be helping him regain consistency and turn his considerable potential into sustained performances.
The proposed deal, which is expected to exceed £60 million, could therefore prove to be one of Manchester United’s most significant transfers of the summer.
