Carlos Baleba to Manchester United: £60m+ Brighton deal close as midfielder heads for medical
Carlos Baleba
Manchester United are closing in on a major midfield signing, with Carlos Baleba increasingly close to completing a move from Brighton in a deal expected to be worth more than £60 million.
The 22-year-old Cameroon international is preparing to travel to Manchester, where he is expected to undergo a medical once the final details between United and Brighton are settled. Sky Sports reports that United already have a five-year contract ready for Baleba to sign.
The proposed transfer represents a significant change from last summer, when Brighton’s valuation of the midfielder was reportedly above £100 million. United walked away from negotiations at that stage, but Baleba’s subsequent dip in form has contributed to a much lower asking price this time around.
Manchester United Close In on Carlos Baleba Transfer
United’s pursuit of Baleba has been a long-running story. The club first explored the possibility of signing the midfielder during the January transfer window and maintained their interest despite failing to reach an agreement previously.
Now, negotiations have advanced considerably.
Sky Sports reports that the final transfer fee and payment structure are still being negotiated, with the overall package expected to exceed £60 million. Other reports have put the current proposal at around £65 million, comprising approximately £60 million upfront and £5 million in potential add-ons.
The exact final figure remains subject to the conclusion of talks, so the transfer should not yet be described as officially completed.
When Will Carlos Baleba Complete His Manchester United Medical?
Baleba is understood to be preparing to travel to Manchester ahead of his medical.
The medical is expected to take place once United and Brighton formally conclude the transfer agreement. A five-year contract is already prepared, meaning the remaining stages could move quickly if the clubs reach a final agreement.
One issue United will need to assess is Baleba’s current fitness. The midfielder is recovering from an ankle ligament injury suffered during pre-season, although reports indicate that it is not expected to keep him sidelined for an extended period.
Why Manchester United Want Carlos Baleba
Baleba’s physical profile is a major reason behind United’s continued interest.
The Cameroon international offers athleticism, defensive power, ball-winning ability and progressive carrying from midfield. Those qualities could address an area United have been looking to strengthen as they reshape their squad.
Baleba is particularly suited to a deeper midfield role, where his ability to recover possession and cover ground can provide greater protection for the defence.
His ability to carry the ball also gives him another dimension. Rather than simply winning possession and playing a short pass, Baleba can drive forward and help United transition from defence into attack.
Baleba Adds a Different Profile to United’s Midfield
If completed, the transfer would add another distinct profile to United’s midfield following the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
Tielemans brings passing range and experience, while Santos provides energy and technical quality. Baleba, meanwhile, would offer greater physical presence and defensive aggression.
That combination could give United manager Michael Carrick more options when constructing his midfield.
Baleba could compete for a starting position while also providing cover and tactical flexibility across the central areas.
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Why Baleba’s Transfer Fee Has Dropped
The potential fee represents a dramatic change from Brighton’s position a year ago.
The club reportedly valued Baleba at more than £100 million during the previous summer, making a Manchester United move difficult to complete. United were unwilling to meet that valuation at the time.
Baleba’s 2025/26 campaign was less impressive than his breakthrough season, however, with his overall numbers and influence dropping.
That decline has helped create an opportunity for United to pursue the midfielder at a substantially lower price.
The Guardian reports that Brighton’s current valuation is around £75 million, while United’s proposed package is around £65 million. The gap between the two clubs is therefore considerably smaller than it was previously.
Is Carlos Baleba a Gamble for Manchester United?
There is still an element of risk attached to the transfer.
United would be paying a substantial fee for a player whose form dipped during the previous campaign. The club will be hoping that his earlier performances were a better indication of his long-term potential.
Baleba’s age works strongly in his favour. At 22, he still has significant time to develop, adapt to a new tactical system and improve his consistency.
His physical qualities are already highly regarded, while his technical development could determine whether he becomes a top-level Premier League midfielder.
Carlos Baleba’s Brighton Career
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and quickly established himself as one of the club’s most exciting young players.
According to Sky Sports, he has made 112 appearances for Brighton, including 35 appearances last season. His campaign was also interrupted by his involvement with Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.
His performances during his breakthrough period attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Manchester United among the teams monitoring his progress.
Brighton’s willingness to negotiate now represents a major shift from the club’s position during the previous transfer window.
What Carlos Baleba Could Bring to Old Trafford
United need more control and authority in central midfield, and Baleba’s qualities could help provide both.
His ball-winning ability could allow United to recover possession higher up the pitch, while his pace and strength could help the team deal with transitions.
He could also complement more creative midfielders by taking on some of the defensive workload.
The key challenge will be consistency. United are not simply buying the player Baleba has been over the last year; they are investing in the possibility that he can return to his best level and develop further.
Manchester United Transfer Still Not Official
Despite the growing confidence around the deal, Carlos Baleba is not officially a Manchester United player yet.
The clubs still need to settle the final terms, after which the medical and contract signing can take place. Sky Sports says United already have a five-year contract prepared for the midfielder.
For United supporters, the next major milestones will be confirmation of the final agreement, Baleba’s arrival in Manchester, the medical and the official announcement.
If those stages are completed successfully, Baleba will become another major piece of United’s midfield rebuild and one of the club’s most significant investments of the summer.
The move would also bring an end to a transfer saga that began with United’s interest last year, when Brighton’s valuation made a deal unrealistic. This time, the two clubs appear much closer to finding common ground.
FAQ: Carlos Baleba and Manchester United Transfer
Is Carlos Baleba joining Manchester United?
Manchester United are close to reaching a full agreement with Brighton for Carlos Baleba, according to Sky Sports. The final transfer fee and structure were still being negotiated at the time of the report, meaning the move had not yet been formally completed.
How much will Manchester United pay for Carlos Baleba?
The deal is expected to be worth more than £60 million, although the final fee and payment structure had not been fully agreed when the latest report was published.
Has Carlos Baleba completed his Manchester United medical?
Not yet. Baleba is understood to be preparing to travel to Manchester, where plans for his medical are expected to be made once Manchester United and Brighton formally conclude the transfer agreement.
How long will Carlos Baleba’s Manchester United contract be?
Manchester United have a five-year contract prepared for Baleba. He is expected to sign it once the transfer is formally completed.
How old is Carlos Baleba?
Carlos Baleba is 22 years old. His age is one of the major attractions for Manchester United because the midfielder still has significant room for development.
What position does Carlos Baleba play?
Baleba is a central midfielder with strong defensive qualities. His athleticism, ball-winning ability and capacity to carry possession through midfield are among the attributes that have made him highly rated.
Why does Manchester United want Carlos Baleba?
Manchester United are looking for greater physicality, defensive strength and authority in midfield. Baleba’s ability to win possession in deeper areas and carry the ball forward fits those requirements.
Sky Sports analysis describes him as a player who could provide a different profile from other midfield additions such as Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Is Carlos Baleba a defensive midfielder?
Baleba has played as a deeper midfielder and is particularly valued for his defensive work, athleticism and ball recovery. His ability to carry the ball also allows him to contribute beyond purely defensive duties.
How good is Carlos Baleba?
Baleba was regarded as one of the Premier League’s most promising young midfielders after his breakthrough at Brighton. His form subsequently dipped, making a potential Manchester United move something of a gamble, but his age and physical qualities leave considerable potential for improvement.
What club did Carlos Baleba play for before Brighton?
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023. He had developed in France before moving to the Premier League.
How many games has Carlos Baleba played for Brighton?
Baleba has made 112 appearances for Brighton, according to Sky Sports’ latest report. He played 35 times during the previous season, although his campaign included an absence while representing Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Is Carlos Baleba injured?
Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury sustained during pre-season. Sky Sports reports that the injury is not expected to keep him out for an extended period.
Will Carlos Baleba be Manchester United’s third midfield signing?
If the deal is completed as expected, Baleba will become Manchester United’s third midfield addition of the summer after Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, according to Sky Sports. (Sky Sports)
Why did Carlos Baleba not join Manchester United a year ago?
Manchester United had previously shown interest in Baleba, including an enquiry during the January transfer window. A year earlier, however, Brighton’s reported £100 million-plus valuation was considered a major obstacle to a transfer.
Has Carlos Baleba’s form declined?
His form reportedly dipped after his highly rated 2024/25 campaign. Sky Sports analysis says his numbers declined and he did not consistently reproduce the level that had made him one of the Premier League’s most sought-after young midfielders.
Is Carlos Baleba a risky signing for Manchester United?
There is an element of risk because United would be investing heavily in a player who has experienced an inconsistent period. The potential reward, however, is significant because Baleba is still only 22 and possesses qualities that could address weaknesses in United’s midfield.
What would Carlos Baleba add to Manchester United?
Baleba could add strength, athleticism, ball-winning ability and progressive carrying to United’s midfield. His defensive qualities could also give the team greater protection in deeper areas while allowing other midfielders more freedom to move forward.
Who are Carlos Baleba’s footballing influences?
Baleba has spoken about his admiration for midfielders including Paul Pogba, Yaya Toure and Andres Iniesta. He has also cited Neymar and Ronaldinho among his favourite players to watch.
When could Carlos Baleba make his Manchester United debut?
A debut date has not been confirmed. Even if the transfer is completed quickly, his ankle ligament injury could affect when he is available for competitive action. His fitness will need to be assessed by Manchester United’s medical staff.
Is Carlos Baleba Manchester United’s biggest midfield signing?
The answer depends on how the transfer is completed and how his career develops. A fee exceeding £60 million would make the move a significant investment, but Baleba’s value to United will ultimately be judged by his performances rather than the transfer fee.
When will Carlos Baleba officially become a Manchester United player?
The transfer still needs to be formally concluded. The final agreement, medical and contract signing are the key remaining stages reported by Sky Sports. Baleba is expected to travel to Manchester ahead of the medical.