Manchester United are 'closing in' on a deal to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, with the Red Devils having made a £65million bid for the Cameroonian. The offer includes £5m in potential add-ons.
Midfield rebuild nears completion
United have already brought in Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos from Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively. However, manager Michael Carrick remained determined to add a third midfielder following Casemiro's departure upon the expiry of his contract.
According to The Athletic, United are nearing an agreement to bring in Brighton's Baleba. That figure is expected to fall short of the Seagulls' asking price, though constructive discussions continue between the two clubs, with an agreement anticipated.
Long-standing interest in Baleba
United are understood to have harboured a long-standing interest in Baleba, having also pursued him last summer. Addressing the Red Devils' approach last season, Brighton chairman Tony Bloom remarked: "I don't think Baleba was a saga. There was interest from Manchester United, and we said that he wasn't available this summer and they went away."
Bloom added: "But Carlos Baleba, his improvement has been immense. Massively important player to this football club, and just delighted that he's with us for this season."
Baleba's Premier League rise
Baleba, 22, joined Brighton from French outfit Lille three years ago and has since established himself as one of the most accomplished midfielders in the Premier League, making 112 appearances for the Seagulls.
Should a deal be struck for his signature, he would become the third midfielder to arrive at Old Trafford this summer, following Tielemans and Santos. United also reached an agreement with Atlanta for Brazilian star Ederson but withdrew from the deal owing to concerns regarding his knee.
Upcoming fixtures and transfer window
United get their Premier League campaign under way this weekend with an away fixture against newly-promoted Hull City. The 2026 summer transfer window remains open for just under two weeks.
