AFCON 2025
Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion to sign Cameroon international Carlos Baleba, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils have been working to strengthen their midfield throughout the summer, with Baleba emerging as one of their leading targets after United previously agreed personal terms with the midfielder last summer.
However, a move failed to materialise at the time, with Brighton demanding a fee of more than £100 million for the 22-year-old.
United returned with a fresh proposal after having an initial £65 million bid rejected, and the two clubs have now reached an agreement over a deal worth significantly less than Brighton’s previous asking price.
Baleba is expected to travel to Manchester for his medical at Carrington before signing a long-term contract with the 20-time English champions.
The Cameroon international is set to become another major addition to Michael Carrick’s midfield, joining Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans as new arrivals this summer.
United’s hierarchy reportedly view Baleba as a potentially transformative addition to their midfield. He will compete for a starting place alongside Santos, Tielemans, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo.
Baleba made 31 Premier League appearances for Brighton during the 2025/26 campaign, starting 23 matches. He recorded an 86.1 per cent pass accuracy, won 102 duels and contributed 37 tackles and 29 interceptions.
However, his Manchester United debut may have to wait. Baleba suffered an ankle ligament injury during pre-season and, although the injury is reportedly less serious than initially feared, he is not expected to return until September.
United will face Hull City, Ipswich Town, Everton, Manchester City and Fulham before the next international break, with the club hopeful that Baleba can recover in time to feature before then.
