“Here we go!”: Carlos Baleba seals dream Man United move from Brighton – Fabrizio Romano | OneFootball

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Manchester United have struck a deal to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, Fabrizio Romano reveals.

Midfield Monster

The Red Devils’ long-standing interest in Baleba dates back to last year, when advances were made to bring him to Old Trafford, only for Brighton’s exorbitant valuation to put an end to their pursuit.

Personal terms were agreed with the 22-year-old Cameroon international, who considered a switch to Old Trafford a dream move. United were understood to be willing to pay around £75 million, while the Seagulls wanted in excess of £100 million to even entertain his departure from the south coast.

Having already invested over £200 million in three new forwards that summer – Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko – United’s hierarchy considered this beyond what they were prepared to spend and walked away from negotiations.

This decision proved astute as Baleba endured a sharp downturn in form last season, with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler dropping the midfielder on multiple occasions early in the campaign. Meanwhile, Casemiro enjoyed a resurgence in his final year in M16, particularly after Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January.

Carlos Baleba Premier League stats: 2025/26 Season

These performances did improve, however, bolstered by a series of outstanding displays alongside Mbeumo and Andre Onana for the Indomitable Lions at the Africa Cup of Nations. These were keenly observed by United’s recruitment team, who maintained Baleba’s profile was the missing piece of the puzzle.

An all-action enforcer with the ability to dominate transitions through pace and power was considered as important for United’s engine room last August as it is now. Accordingly, contact was maintained with Baleba’s camp over the past twelve months in case an opportunity to revive a deal emerged – and that persistence has paid off.

The Third Man

With £85 million already spent to sign Chelsea’s Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, Manchester United have agreed a deal with Brighton to make Baleba the much-needed third recruit in midfield.

On Wednesday (19 August), a report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed United had seen a bid worth an initial £60 million rejected. There was optimism a compromise would be reached, however, with positive relations between the two clubs.

And Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed a breakthrough has been struck after an improved bid was lodged.

Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury, though a local paper in Sussex claims it is not expected to be a “long absence”.

Furthermore, there is no pressure on the Douala native to start immediately at Old Trafford, with Carrick able to call upon newboys Tielemans and Santos alongside Kobbie Mainoo at his disposal – which explains why United have still pulled the trigger on a player currently on the sidelines.

Final Thoughts: The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment

Overall credibility: 9.5/10 Why?

 A third midfielder has been widely reported as a priority target for Manchester United.   The Red Devils have been tracking Carlos Baleba since last summer, while formal talks were initiated with Brighton this week.   Fabrizio Romano is a tier 1 journalist for transfer news, with a number of reputable sources having backed up United’s pursuit. No official confirmation from either club yet.