Manchester United have reached an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion over a deal worth up to £70m for midfielder Carlos Baleba.
The clubs reached a breakthrough in negotiations on Friday, with United set to pay an initial £65m plus a further £5m in potential add-ons. Brighton have also negotiated a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Baleba is expected to undergo his medical with United this weekend, although the 22-year-old is currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained during Brighton’s pre-season training camp in Austria.
The Cameroon international emerged as a priority target for United this week as Michael Carrick looked to add further strength and athleticism to his midfield.
United had already brought in Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa this summer, while the departure of Casemiro following the expiry of his contract left another gap in the position.
Baleba’s arrival would take United’s spending this summer to around £153m and represents a significant reduction on Brighton’s previous valuation of the midfielder.
The 22-year-old joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and has since established himself as one of the club’s most important midfielders. His ability to cover ground and contribute defensively is expected to add a different dimension to Carrick’s midfield options.
United could still consider strengthening at left-back before the transfer window closes. Baleba, who is left-footed and has occasionally played in the position, could provide an alternative option alongside Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, both of whom have also operated on the left.
Baleba’s desire to move to Old Trafford helped accelerate negotiations and, once the transfer is completed, he will join a midfield group that also includes Kobbie Mainoo, who is available for Saturday’s Premier League opener against Hull City.
Read more – Why Are Tottenham Spending So Much This Summer?
Also see – Why Manchester United aren’t signing anyone in a hurry this summer
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