Manchester United are reportedly nearing a full agreement with Brighton for the transfer of midfielder Carlos Baleba. The deal is anticipated to exceed £60m, with a five-year contract prepared for the Cameroon international upon formal conclusion of the transfer.
Baleba is understood to be preparing for travel to Manchester, where medical assessments are expected to be scheduled once the agreement is finalised. This move would make him United‘s third midfield acquisition this summer, following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Midfield Reinforcement Strategy
The pursuit of Baleba signifies a strategic shift in Manchester United‘s recruitment approach. The club had previously played down interest in the player, despite making an enquiry 12 months ago when Brighton‘s asking price was reportedly in excess of £100m. An initial offer of £60m plus an additional £5m has been made, though it is not expected to be sufficient.
Talks are ongoing, with expectations that the transfer will be completed. This follows a period where United‘s search for a ‘third midfielder’ involved several names, including Real Madrid‘s Aurelien Tchouameni, Bournemouth‘s Alex Scott and Tyler Adams, Roma‘s Manu Kone, and Fulham‘s Sander Berge.
The club’s data and recruitment department have been working to reshape the midfield under Michael Carrick. The departure of Casemiro, whose contract expired on 30 June, and Ruben Amorim‘s exit, which saw skipper Bruno Fernandes move into a more advanced role, created a need for new additions. Manuel Ugarte, despite a £50.8m price tag, was reportedly not highly rated, leaving Kobbie Mainoo as the primary experienced midfielder for the 2026-27 season.
Mainoo is known for progressing the ball in tight spaces, while Santos has screened the defence effectively in pre-season. Tielemans offers composure, a strong passing range, and aims to increase his goal contributions. The recent defeat by AC Milan in Wroclaw highlighted a need for a box-to-box midfielder with energy, a role Baleba’s ability to cover ground quickly could fill.
Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained during pre-season, which is expected to sideline him for a couple more weeks. If the deal proceeds, Carrick would gain variety and options in midfield, including Mason Mount and Scotland World Cup squad member Tyler Fletcher, with Fernandes also available if needed.
Baleba’s Journey and Potential Impact
Carlos Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and has made 112 appearances for the club, including 35 last season. He was absent for a period while representing Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations. A year ago, Baleba was considered one of the Premier League‘s most sought-after young midfielders after a strong season at Brighton.
However, his form reportedly dipped in the subsequent 12 months, with his numbers falling. Despite this, United‘s interest suggests a belief in his potential. Stylistically, Baleba is seen as a suitable fit for United‘s needs, offering authority in midfield and the ability to win the ball back in deeper areas. His athleticism, aggression, and ball-carrying skills could provide a dynamic and resilient presence.
At 22 years old, Baleba is still considered to have significant development potential. His influences include Paul Pogba, Yaya Toure, and Andres Iniesta, with Neymar and Ronaldinho also among his admired players, indicating a desire for self-expression in his game. While there is a perceived risk given his recent inconsistent form, United appear willing to invest in his future development.
The club’s recruitment efforts this summer have shown a more discreet approach. The deal for Santos was concluded within a week, and the Tielemans transfer was completed even faster. This contrasts with past situations, such as the pursuit of Frenkie de Jong in 2022, which extended into August before the club conceded defeat.
The acquisition of players from Premier League clubs, such as Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in 2025, has reportedly influenced United‘s strategy, with the belief that the premium paid for such players limits the risk of them failing to settle. Cunha and Tielemans had release clauses, while Mbeumo, Santos, and Baleba did not.
Carrick has stated, “We want more, we need more.” Beyond midfield, the need for a new left-back is also acknowledged as acute.
The expected conclusion of the Baleba transfer would mark a significant step in Manchester United‘s ongoing squad reconstruction efforts for the upcoming season.
Baleba‘s current injury is not expected to keep him out for an extended period.
Source: bbc.com