Manchester United have accelerated their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, with the 22-year-old having agreed personal terms over a move to Old Trafford. The Red Devils have submitted an initial offer of £60 million with a further £5 million in add-ons, a bid that falls short of Brighton’s current valuation. However, United remain confident of securing Baleba for less than £75 million, a figure that reflects the Cameroon international’s dip in market value after a season of largely inconsistent performances.
Baleba has been on United’s radar since last summer, when Brighton placed a £100 million price tag on the combative midfielder. That valuation has since dropped, opening the door for a deal this summer. The 22-year-old, who is currently nursing an ankle injury, would become United’s third midfield addition of the window. The club have already captured Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa in a £35 million deal and have brought in Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48 million. Baleba’s preference to play as a No. 6 would give the coaching staff a genuine tactical alternative, offering dynamism and energy in the engine room while competing directly with Santos for a starting berth.
United have been working on this transfer for months. They first explored the conditions required to sign Baleba back in January, but a move was shelved as Brighton insisted on keeping the Cameroon international until the summer. Now, with the window open and the player’s price having dropped from that £100 million mark, the two clubs are closing in on a full agreement. Baleba’s arrival would represent a significant statement of intent, as the Red Devils look to rebuild their midfield core under the guidance of Michael Carrick, who has been confirmed as the club’s primary transfer target.
Aside from his club ambitions, Baleba has his sights set on international glory. The midfielder has spoken openly about his desire to be the best midfielder at the Africa Cup of Nations, a goal that underscores his ambition and drive. His recovery from an ankle injury will be monitored closely, but United are confident that he will be ready to make an impact in the Premier League. With the addition of Baleba, United would have a trio of young, energetic midfielders capable of dictating play and pressing high, a clear signal of the direction the club is taking this summer.
