Manchester United are set to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton for £70million, a deal that represents a significant saving compared to the asking price of over £100million quoted when the Reds first made contact last year.
The club initially explored a move for the midfielder in the previous transfer window but were put off by the cost. After adding Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans last summer, United have now returned for Baleba to complete their midfield rebuild.
United save £45million on deal
Speaking on the Manchester is Red podcast, Manchester Evening News' United reporter Steven Railston highlighted the financial benefit of waiting. "Brighton, in the space of 12 months, have gone from wanting £115million potentially for Carlos Baleba to being happy to sell him in a £70million deal," he said. "So United have saved £45million potentially there in the space of 12 months for a player who they have always liked."
Railston explained that United have "crunched the numbers" and are willing to overlook a disappointing 2025/26 season for the player. He described Baleba as the profile United needed for a third midfield signing, offering mobility and protection to the back four.
What Baleba will bring to midfield
"He will get through the bulk of the defensive work, he'll make interceptions, he'll put himself about, and he'll really add some energy in the midfield in that sense," Railston said. "So, when all those things are considered, I think it's a good signing and putting my personal doubts to one side when you actually consider the facts, it is a good signing."
Baleba struggled at times in 2025/26, with manager Fabian Hurzeler admitting that transfer interest from United had unsettled the midfielder.
Club figures back the move
Railston discussed how several United figures are backing the Baleba move, calling it "the acid test" for Jason Wilcox, Christopher Vivell and Michael Sansoni, who lead transfer dealings at the club. "The club have got an opinion on Baleba and they've stuck by it," he said.
United are confident Baleba can add quality to the midfield, though he is expected to be out until mid-September with an ankle ligament injury. "Hopefully it's nothing serious, hopefully he is available as quickly as possible because United need him," Railston added, noting the need for a player in that role ahead of Saturday's match against Hull.
