Manchester United are closing in on an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for midfielder Carlos Baleba as negotiations over one of their major summer targets enter a decisive stage.
Sky Sports News reporters Adrian Kajumba, Rob Dorsett and Danyal Khan report that United are now close to reaching a full agreement with Brighton for the Cameroon international.
The development comes on the same day that United were reported to have submitted a £65 million offer for the 22-year-old.
According to The Guardian, that proposal consists of £60m guaranteed plus another £5m in potential add-ons. Brighton have been seeking closer to £75m, but United are increasingly confident that a compromise can be reached.
Baleba has already agreed personal terms with Manchester United, removing another potential obstacle to the transfer.
That means negotiations between the clubs have become the crucial final hurdle as United attempt to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford.
Baleba has been on United’s radar for some time. The Cameroon international established himself as one of Brighton’s most exciting young players after arriving from Lille in 2023, when the Seagulls identified him as a replacement for Moises Caicedo.
His combination of athleticism, ball-winning ability and capacity to carry possession through midfield has made him an attractive option for United.
The midfielder’s value has fluctuated over the past year. Brighton were previously believed to value him at around £100m, but The Guardian reports that his asking price has dropped following an inconsistent 2025/26 campaign.
He is currently recovering from an ankle injury, although that has not prevented United from pushing ahead with negotiations.
Baleba would become another significant addition to Manchester United’s midfield rebuild if the clubs complete the deal.
United have already signed Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35m and Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48m this summer. Landing Baleba would further transform their options in the middle of the pitch ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Brighton’s negotiating position remains important. Baleba is only 22 and has developed considerably since moving to the Amex Stadium, meaning the Seagulls have been under no pressure to accept a cut-price offer.
However, Wednesday’s developments suggest the difference between the clubs is narrowing.
With personal terms already settled and United now approaching a full agreement with Brighton, Baleba’s proposed move to Old Trafford has taken a significant step towards completion.
