Manchester United confident on Baleba deal despite opening bid rejection

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The Football Faithful

·19 August 2026

Manchester United confident on Baleba deal despite opening bid rejection

Manchester United are confident of signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion despite having an opening offer rejected.

Brighton have turned down a bid from Manchester United worth £65m including add-ons. The Red Devils have offered £60m upfront for the 22-year-old, which could rise by a further £5m if clauses are met. The Seagulls have snubbed that bid, but there is optimism a deal can be done.

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The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that the two teams are closing in on an agreement that would see Baleba become Manchester United’s fourth senior signing of the summer window.

United have already concluded deals for Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, and want to complete their midfield revamp with Baleba’s signature. Michael Carrick’s side have also added veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow to their ranks.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Baleba comes 12 months on from a failed move to sign the midfielder. United baulked at Brighton’s £100m demands for the Cameroonian in 2025, but are now nearing an agreement, with both sides confident of a ‘positive’ outcome.

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