Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, with the club offering around £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons for the 22-year-old Cameroon international. Talks are advanced, although Brighton have not yet accepted United’s valuation.
The interesting part of this transfer is not the fee. It is what Baleba represents for Michael Carrick’s Manchester United.
After years of midfield instability, United are trying to build a group that can actually control games rather than relying heavily on individual moments from Bruno Fernandes.
United Are Building a Different Midfield
United have already signed Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos this summer, but Carrick still wants another midfielder. The need has become more obvious following Casemiro’s departure and a long-term injury to Manuel Ugarte.
Baleba brings something different. The 22-year-old is known for his physical strength, ability to cover ground and willingness to win the ball. Those qualities could allow Fernandes to play further forward while giving Kobbie Mainoo more freedom to influence matches.
In simple terms, United are looking for someone who can do more of the dirty work.
The £65m Question
The proposed package could rise to £65 million, which is a huge investment in a 22-year-old who is still developing. But there is an interesting reason United may be willing to take that risk.
Brighton previously valued Baleba at around £100 million, while reports last year suggested the club could demand as much as £115 million. His inconsistent 2025-26 campaign has since reduced that valuation.
United therefore appear to believe they can get a highly rated young midfielder for considerably less than the price Brighton once wanted.
The challenge is making sure they are buying the player who impressed during his best periods, rather than paying a premium for potential.
Baleba Still Has Something to Prove
Baleba’s previous season was not perfect. His form dipped, and Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler previously acknowledged that the constant transfer speculation may have affected the midfielder.
That makes this move particularly interesting. United are not simply buying a finished product. They are betting that a new environment, stronger teammates and greater responsibility can bring out the midfielder’s best qualities consistently.
He is also recovering from an ankle ligament injury, although it is not expected to keep him out for long. A five-year contract is reportedly ready once the deal is completed.
What Baleba Could Change at Old Trafford
If the deal goes through, United’s midfield could look very different. A combination of Baleba’s ball-winning and physical presence, Tielemans’ passing ability, Mainoo’s composure and Fernandes’ creativity would give Carrick several different ways to control matches.
That is ultimately why this transfer matters. United do not just need another midfielder. They need a midfield that stops collapsing when the game becomes physical or chaotic. Baleba could be the player who gives them that foundation.
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