Man Utd on the verge of agreeing deal to sign Carlos Baleba

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal to sign Carlos Baleba as talks continue with Brighton and Hove Albion over a fee, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Ornstein understands the Red Devils have made an offer worth around €70.1million (£60m) plus €5.8m (£5m) in add-ons, which is currently below Brighton’s valuation.

However, negotiations are ongoing as the two Premier League clubs work towards an agreement for Baleba to join the 20-time league champions.

United have held long-standing interest in the 22-year-old, having explored a deal to sign him from Brighton last summer.

However, they withdrew from those discussions after being put off the Seagulls’ asking price, which was believed to be over €117m (£100m) at the time.

United have made strengthening their midfield a priority this summer - a task that will be completed if a deal can be agreed for Baleba.

Michael Carrick’s side have already signed midfielders Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, with the club targeting at least three additions in the middle of the park.

United have been credited with an interest in several midfielders this summer, including Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni and Alex Scott of Bournemouth.

Fulham’s Sander Berge, Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Roma’s Manu Kone have also been linked with moves to Old Trafford.

United have taken cautious approach to midfield rebuild

United - led by director of recruitment Christopher Vivell - have taken a cautious approach to their midfield rebuild as they look to avoid overspending in the market.

The club backed away from signing Elliot Anderson and Matheus Fernandes before they completed big-money moves to Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.

After biding their time, United have now settled on Baleba as they look to agree a fee that is lower than that of Anderson (€134m/£116m) and Fernandes (€99m/£85m).

Baleba joined Brighton from Ligue 1 side Lille for a reported fee of €27m (£23m) plus €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons in August 2023.

STATS

Carlos Baleba

DM, M (C)

Brighton

Carlos Baleba

DM, M (C)

Brighton

All Tournaments

2025/26

• 35

  Games

• 0

  Goals

• 0

  Assists

View all stats

He has gone on to make 112 appearances for Fabian Hurzeler’s side, registering four goals and two assists in all competitions.

A tough-tackling no. 6 who is composed in possession, Baleba struggled for form last season, with Hurzeler saying speculation of a possible move to United affected him.

Baleba, who has also received 15 caps for Cameroon, is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury sustained in a pre-season friendly against Strasbourg earlier this month.