Man Utd Close in on £65m Deal for Carlos Baleba to Follow International Teammates Mbeumo and Onana
Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Carlos Baleba, submitting a formal proposal to Brighton & Hove Albion valued at approximately £60 million guaranteed plus £5 million in potential performance add-ons.
The 22-year-old Cameroonian international has been a long-standing target for Old Trafford decision-makers, who previously explored a move last summer before stepping back due to Brighton’s steep £100 million valuation.
While Brighton currently view United’s initial £65 million total package as slightly below their baseline, active negotiations between the two clubs remain positive and amicable, with all parties actively working to finalize a structural agreement.
Personal terms with Baleba are not expected to pose any hurdle, as the defensive midfielder has consistently expressed a desire to make the move.
However, prospective fans will need to exercise patience regarding his immediate impact on the pitch. Baleba is currently recovering from a minor ankle injury sustained during pre-season preparation, which is expected to keep him sidelined until late September.
The acquisition of Baleba would represent the crowning piece of an extensive central midfield overhaul conducted under head coach Michael Carrick.
Following the departure of Casemiro and a serious knee injury suffered by Manuel Ugarte, United have moved decisively in the market, already securing Youri Tielemans for £35 million and Andrey Santos for £50 million.
Baleba is targeted specifically for his unique dynamic profile, offering rare press resistance, elite ball-winning capabilities, and physical coverage at the base of the midfield.
Once fully fit, he is projected to form a long-term partnership in Carrick’s central pivot alongside Tielemans, providing the physical foundation necessary to free dynamic playmakers like Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes higher up the pitch.
