Manchester United are closing in on a major deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as negotiations accelerate over a move to Old Trafford. United have submitted an offer worth around £60million plus another £5m in potential add-ons for the Cameroon international, but Brighton have not yet accepted the package because it remains below their valuation.
Despite that, discussions between the clubs are continuing positively, with all parties working towards finding an agreement that could finally bring an end to a transfer pursuit stretching back more than a year. United are expected to continue negotiations as they attempt to make Baleba another major addition to Michael Carrick’s midfield before the summer transfer window closes.
The situation represents a major change from last summer, when Manchester United were interested in Baleba but Brighton’s enormous valuation made a transfer extremely difficult. The midfielder was valued at more than £100m at the time, leaving United unwilling to meet the asking price. Twelve months later, the circumstances have changed considerably. Baleba endured a more difficult 2025/26 campaign, while Brighton are now prepared to discuss a sale at a significantly lower figure. That has brought United back to the negotiating table, and the Old Trafford club believe there is an opportunity to sign a player they have admired for a long time at a much more realistic price.
United’s First Baleba Proposal Falls Short
United’s opening package is reported to consist of £60m guaranteed plus £5m in add-ons. That works out at approximately €75m and represents a huge investment in the 22-year-old, but Brighton still want more before giving the final green light. Importantly, however, the rejection has not ended negotiations.
The Athletic’s reporting, as relayed by multiple outlets, describes talks as amicable, with both clubs working towards reaching an agreement rather than Brighton simply refusing to entertain a sale. That distinction makes this very different from the situation United encountered during their previous pursuit, when Brighton were in a much stronger position and had little reason to reduce their demands.
United are therefore expected to keep working on the structure of the transfer. Whether that means increasing the guaranteed amount, offering more achievable bonuses or pushing the overall package closer to Brighton’s valuation remains to be seen. What appears increasingly clear is that negotiations have reached an advanced stage and United believe a deal can be completed. Reports today suggest the total agreement could ultimately remain below £75m, which would represent a considerable reduction from the valuation Brighton placed on Baleba only a year ago.
Why Manchester United Want Carlos Baleba
Baleba fits the profile United have been trying to add to their midfield. The Cameroon international is primarily a central or defensive midfielder, combining physical strength and athleticism with the ability to carry possession forward. He joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and quickly developed into one of the Premier League’s most highly rated young midfielders, particularly during an impressive 2024/25 campaign. His performances were strong enough to convince United to make him one of their major midfield targets, although Brighton’s valuation prevented the move from progressing at that stage.
His following season was more difficult, but United’s interest never completely disappeared. The club continued monitoring Baleba, including his performances for Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, and their recruitment department reportedly remained impressed by his underlying data despite his inconsistent club campaign.
United appear to believe that his best performances are a better indication of his long-term potential than the struggles he experienced last season. At only 22, there is also considerable time for Baleba to develop, making him a potential long-term solution rather than simply a signing designed to fix an immediate problem.
The need for another midfielder has become increasingly important for Carrick. United have already strengthened the position significantly this summer by bringing in Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, while Kobbie Mainoo remains an important part of the squad after signing a new long-term contract.
However, Casemiro’s departure and injury problems involving other midfield options have left United wanting another player capable of providing physicality and defensive protection. Baleba would give Carrick a very different option while also allowing United to build a younger midfield capable of developing together over several seasons.
Baleba’s Injury Has Not Stopped Negotiations
One potential complication is Baleba’s current ankle injury. The midfielder suffered ankle ligament damage earlier this month and is expected to miss the opening weeks of the campaign. Ordinarily, an injury during advanced transfer negotiations can create uncertainty because buying clubs want confidence that a new signing will be available immediately.
United, however, have continued pursuing the transfer after receiving information about the extent of the problem, suggesting they do not consider it serious enough to abandon negotiations.
The injury would still be carefully assessed during any eventual medical, particularly considering the size of the investment involved. United would be committing more than £60m to a midfielder they hope can become an important player for several years, meaning their medical staff will want a complete understanding of his recovery before the transfer is formally completed. For now, though, negotiations with Brighton are continuing and there is no indication that the ankle problem has become a major obstacle.
Baleba Deal Could Complete United’s Midfield Rebuild
Signing Baleba would complete an impressive transformation of Manchester United’s midfield. Tielemans brings Premier League experience and creativity, Santos provides youth and technical quality, while Baleba would add the athleticism and defensive presence Carrick needs in deeper areas.
Mainoo would remain another important option, while Bruno Fernandes provides creativity further forward. Rather than depending heavily on ageing midfielders, United would suddenly have several players either approaching their prime or still capable of significant development.
The potential transfer would also demonstrate a different approach from United compared with previous windows. Instead of paying Brighton’s enormous asking price when they first became interested in Baleba, the club waited and maintained its interest until the circumstances became more favourable.
Brighton’s valuation has now fallen considerably, creating an opportunity for United to secure a long-term target for potentially tens of millions less than would have been required last summer. There is still a substantial fee involved, but United clearly believe Baleba’s age, Premier League experience and potential justify the investment.
Agreement Is Close, But It Is Not Done Yet
The most important point at this stage is that Baleba is not officially a Manchester United player and there is not yet a completed agreement between the clubs. United’s £60m plus £5m proposal remains below Brighton’s valuation, and further negotiations are required before a medical or contract signing can take place.
However, the tone of the latest reporting is significantly more positive than simply saying United are interested. Ornstein reports that the clubs are closing in on a deal, while other reports describe United as increasingly confident that the transfer can be completed.
For United supporters who watched the club fail to land Baleba last summer, this represents the clearest indication yet that the midfielder could finally be heading to Old Trafford. Brighton still need to accept the financial package and the remaining formalities would then need to be completed, but negotiations are moving in the right direction. Manchester United wanted Carlos Baleba a year ago, continued monitoring him when that move collapsed and have now returned with serious money on the table. This time, the outcome could be very different.
