Manchester United Finalizes £70m Deal for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba
Manchester United has reached an agreement with Brighton for midfielder Carlos Baleba, with the total fee potentially rising to £70 million. The two clubs finalized negotiations on Friday evening, allowing the 22-year-old to undergo his medical examination with United over the weekend.
United’s interest in Baleba surged this week as they aimed to enhance their midfield options following the signings of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa earlier in the transfer window. The deal consists of an initial payment of £65 million, complemented by up to £5 million in performance-related add-ons. Brighton has also secured a sell-on clause in the transaction.
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 but is currently dealing with an ankle injury sustained during the club’s pre-season training camp in Austria. Once the transfer is confirmed, it will bring United’s summer spending to a total of £153 million. This figure marks a significant reduction compared to Brighton’s previous asking price as the 2025 transfer deadline approached.
It remains uncertain whether United will seek additional depth at left-back to challenge Luke Shaw. Baleba, being left-footed, has played in that position occasionally, while regular right-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have also been deployed on the left. This transfer concludes United’s efforts to bolster their midfield after the departure of veteran Brazilian Casemiro, who left following the expiration of his contract.
Additionally, Manuel Ugarte was anticipated to exit this summer but is recovering from a serious knee injury he sustained while representing Uruguay in the World Cup. Alongside Santos and Tielemans, England international Kobbie Mainoo is set to be available for the upcoming Premier League match against newly promoted Hull City. Baleba’s arrival is expected to enhance Carrick’s squad with added athleticism, and his enthusiasm for the move has contributed to the swift resolution of the transfer.
Manchester United have agreed a fee of up to £70m for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
The two clubs reached a breakthrough in negotiations on Friday evening, which left the 22-year-old free to complete his medical with the Old Trafford outfit this weekend.
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United targeted the Cameroon international this week after deciding to strengthen their midfield further following the earlier arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
They will pay an initial £65m, plus a potential £5m in add-ons, while the Seagulls have also negotiated a sell-on clause.
Baleba, who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023, is currently sidelined with an ankle injury he picked up during their pre-season training camp in Austria.
Once the deal goes through, it will take United’s summer spending up to £153m.
However, it is also a huge saving on what Brighton were demanding as the 2025 transfer deadline approached.
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It remains to be seen whether United will continue to search for a left-back to challenge Luke Shaw, or whether Baleba, a left-footed player who has played in that position on occasion, and regular right-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui – who have both been used on the left – can provide the cover head coach Michael Carrick needs.
The transfer ends United’s attempts to strengthen their midfield following the departure of veteran Brazilian Casemiro after his contract expired.
Manuel Ugarte was also expected to leave this summer, but he suffered a serious knee injury on World Cup duty with Uruguay.
In addition to Santos and Tielemans, England international Kobbie Mainoo will be available for the Saturday lunchtime Premier League trip to newly promoted Hull City.
Baleba should give Carrick’s side additional athleticism and the Cameroon international’s eagerness to make the move north helped speed up the transfer.
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