Carlos Baleba is reportedly edging closer to becoming a Manchester United player, with the Red Devils believed to be nearing a £70 million agreement with Brighton for the highly-rated midfielder.
The potential deal could become one of the most important moves of United’s summer rebuild and would give Michael Carrick another powerful option in the middle of the pitch.
Manchester United are understood to have negotiated a package worth around £65 million in guaranteed payments, with an additional £5 million available through performance-related bonuses.
If all the conditions are met, the total value of the transfer could rise to £70 million. Brighton are also reportedly set to include a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
The transfer has now reportedly reached an advanced stage, with Baleba expected to make his way to Manchester to complete the next steps.
Before the move can officially be confirmed, the Cameroon international will have to undergo a medical examination.
Assuming there are no significant problems, the remaining paperwork can then be completed before the midfielder puts pen to paper on his Manchester United contract.
There is a small fitness issue surrounding Baleba, however. The 22-year-old reportedly suffered an ankle ligament problem during pre-season.
Fortunately for United, the injury is not believed to be serious enough to keep him out for an extended period, meaning it should not prevent the transfer from progressing if the medical team are satisfied with his condition.
United’s interest in Baleba is certainly not new. The club have been following the midfielder for some time and previously considered making a serious move when Brighton were reportedly demanding a staggering £115 million for his services.
That valuation made negotiations extremely difficult, but United now appear to have reached a much more favourable arrangement.
If the reported £70 million package is completed, United could effectively secure Baleba for considerably less than Brighton’s earlier asking price.
The guaranteed portion of the deal would also represent a major reduction from the valuation that previously discouraged the Red Devils from pushing ahead.
Baleba’s age is another reason why the potential transfer is attracting so much attention. At only 22, he already has considerable Premier League experience after joining Brighton from Lille in 2023.
Since arriving in England, he has developed into one of Brighton’s most important midfield players and has reportedly made more than 90 Premier League appearances.
His playing style could make him particularly valuable to Carrick. Baleba is known for his physical strength, energy, ability to win possession and willingness to cover large areas of the pitch. He can also carry the ball forward and help his team transition quickly from defence into attack.
Those qualities could address several weaknesses Manchester United have experienced in midfield. The club have already added Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, but Baleba would provide a different profile, particularly because of his defensive ability and physical presence.
His arrival could also give Bruno Fernandes more freedom to concentrate on creating chances and influencing the attacking side of the game.
With Baleba providing greater protection and covering behind him, United could potentially build a midfield capable of winning battles while also controlling possession.
Nevertheless, a transfer worth up to £70 million would automatically create enormous expectations. United supporters will expect Baleba to prove that he is worth such a significant investment.
Strong tackles and powerful runs will not be enough; he will need to demonstrate consistency, intelligence, composure and the ability to perform under the pressure associated with wearing the Manchester United shirt.
For now, the final stages remain crucial. Baleba must complete his medical, the clubs need to finish the paperwork, and the contract must be signed before everything becomes official.
If all goes according to plan, the next major moment could be Carlos Baleba walking onto the pitch wearing the famous Manchester United red — potentially marking another major step in Carrick’s ambitious midfield rebuild.
