Manchester United seal £70m Carlos Baleba deal as Brighton midfielder set for medical

Manchester United have reached a full agreement with Brighton to sign midfielder Carlos Baleba for £65m plus £5m in add-ons, with the 22-year-old set to travel to Manchester this weekend to undergo a medical.

United had pursued Baleba for over a year but were initially deterred by Brighton’s £100m valuation. A quieter 2024/25 campaign reduced his price, and after an opening offer of £60m plus add-ons was rejected, the two clubs shook hands on the revised fee, which also includes a sell-on clause. Personal terms had already been agreed before the clubs finalised the transfer.

Baleba becomes United’s fourth major arrival of the summer, following midfielder Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos — who together cost a combined £85m — and goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Manager Michael Carrick had been clear about his desire to add a third outfield player to his squad, particularly in midfield, following the departure of Casemiro and a long-term injury to Manuel Ugarte.

“I just think we’re looking to strengthen the squad,” Carrick said ahead of United’s Premier League opener against Hull. “We’re certainly working towards that, making the most of the situation that we have and trying to improve things. I think we’re in a good way to doing that so far.”

However, Baleba will not be available immediately. The Cameroon international picked up an ankle ligament injury during Brighton’s 0-0 Conference League qualifier draw against Tromso on Thursday, meaning his United debut will be delayed.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler declined to confirm the transfer when asked at his pre-match press conference on Friday. “He’s a Brighton player. Like I said, I’ll never comment on any rumours that are currently in the media,” Hurzeler said. “In two days I have a very important game together with my team and with my staff. We want to have a good start in the Premier League season — that’s the only focus we have at the moment.”