Manchester United close to £60m deal for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba
Five-year contract prepared as player prepares for medical; final fee structure yet to be confirmed
Manchester United are nearing a final agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion to secure the services of midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to Sky Sports. The 22-year-old Cameroon international is understood to be preparing to travel to Manchester for a medical, with a five-year contract already drafted for his signature pending the formal conclusion of the club-to-club deal.
The transfer is expected to exceed £60 million, although the precise fee and payment structure remain subject to final negotiation. Sky Sports News has tracked United’s interest in Baleba since last autumn, having first reported the enquiry during the January transfer window. The midfielder, who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023, has made 112 appearances for the club, including 35 starts last season.
If the deal proceeds, Baleba will become Manchester United’s third midfield signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. His recruitment comes as United look to bolster their central options ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury sustained during pre-season training. Reports indicate the injury is not expected to require an extended period of rehabilitation, allowing him to be fit for the medical and potential immediate integration into the squad. He was previously absent from club duties while representing Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.
This report is classified as a breaking news story by Sky Sports, with details subject to change as the agreement is finalised. Official confirmation from both clubs is awaited before the transaction is considered complete.
