Romano: Full agreement on personal terms in place – Midfielder who’s ‘better than Caicedo’ wants to join Man Utd

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·25 avril 2026

Romano: Full agreement on personal terms in place – Midfielder who’s ‘better than Caicedo’ wants to join Man Utd

Manchester United already have an agreement on personal terms in place with Carlos Baleba.

Both parties discussed how a deal could look last summer, before Brighton and Hove Albion blocked any potential move for the player.

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United retain long-standing interest in Carlos Baleba

Yet, Baleba was keen on making the switch to Old Trafford, and would presumably retain such desire this time around – especially given United will likely have Champions League football to offer.

We don’t know what’s better, Carlos Baleba's goal or celebration 😅🤸‍♂️ #CarabaoCup | @OfficialBHAFC
– jeudi 19 septembre 2024

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Although Elliot Anderson has leapfrogged the Cameroonian to become INEOS’ first-choice target, Fabrizio Romano has assured supporters that at least two midfielders will be signed.

Baleba also poses as a considerably cheaper option, with The Athletic claiming that Nottingham Forest could demand as much as £125 million to sanction Anderson’s exit.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Carrington on Monday, as summer plans become clearer with Champs Lge finance close. Elliot Anderson tops midfield list but Man City interest + Forest's £125m fee complicating. Carlos Baleba genuine possibility as alternative ⬇️ #MUFC
– jeudi 23 avril 2026

How Baleba has fared this season

Brighton will have to factor in the fact that the 23-year-old’s form has faltered this season when setting their price tag.

Since returning from the African Cup of Nations in mid-January, Baleba – who former Brighton striker Glenn Murray hailed as ‘better than Moises Caicedo’ – has made 11 Premier League appearances; six as a starter and five as a substitute.

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He was left on the bench for the entirety of the Seagulls’ draw with Tottenham Hotspur and, back in February, was hooked after just 22 minutes against Aston Villa, having been shown a yellow card in the second minute.

Last time out, however, he put in a stellar shift in the middle of the park, playing the full 90 minutes as his side thumped Chelsea 3-0 at the Amex, in the match that ultimately spelt the end of Liam Rosenior’s tenure.

What Romano had to say about Baleba

Weighing in on the former Lille starlet’s links with United, Romano said on YouTube on Friday: “In August 2025, Manchester United had an agreement in principle with Baleba on personal terms. The player was keen on the move, but Brighton refused to sell.

“The same situation occurred again in January. At that time, Manchester United indicated that they could revisit the deal in the summer of 2026.

“Now, Baleba remains a target for both the scouting department and figures within the club. There are still several factors to consider, including the appointment of a permanent manager, budget decisions, and Brighton’s stance.”

He continued: “However, what I can confirm is that the verbal agreement between Baleba and Manchester United from 2025 remains valid for 2026.

“The player is still very keen on a move to Manchester United.”