Manchester United have agreed a fee of up to £70m with Brighton & Hove Albion for midfielder Carlos Baleba, moving closer to completing one of their biggest signings of the summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old Cameroon international is now free to undergo a medical with Manchester United this weekend after the two clubs reached a breakthrough in negotiations on Friday evening. The deal for Baleba is worth an initial £65m, with a further £5m available in add-ons, while Brighton have also secured a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.

If the transfer is completed, Manchester United’s summer spending will rise to £153m as head coach Michael Carrick continues reshaping his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

Carlos Baleba Set for Manchester United Medical

Manchester United’s pursuit of Carlos Baleba gathered pace after the club decided that further investment was needed in midfield, despite already bringing in Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.

The agreement with Brighton represents a significant step forward after negotiations between the two Premier League clubs finally produced a breakthrough. Baleba’s willingness to move to Old Trafford is also understood to have helped accelerate the process.

The midfielder joined Brighton from French club Lille in August 2023 for £23.2m and has developed into one of the most highly regarded young midfielders in the Premier League.

Brighton had previously demanded a considerably higher figure for Carlos, particularly around the 2025 transfer deadline, making the eventual fee an important compromise for Manchester United. The £65m guaranteed payment, plus £5m in potential add-ons, gives the Seagulls a substantial return on the investment they made when signing him from Lille.

The inclusion of a sell-on clause also means Brighton could benefit again if the Cameroon international moves elsewhere in the future.

However, the deal still needs to be formally completed, with Baleba expected to undergo his medical before the transfer can be finalised.

Baleba Adds Energy to United’s New Midfield

The arrival of Carlos Baleba would bring another major piece into Manchester United’s midfield reconstruction.

United have moved decisively during the summer after the departure of veteran Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, whose contract expired. His exit created a significant gap in the squad, and the club have responded by targeting players with different qualities and profiles.

Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arrived earlier in the window, while England international Kobbie Mainoo remains an important option for Carrick. The addition of Baleba would give Manchester United further athleticism and energy in the centre of the pitch.

That physical presence could prove particularly valuable over a demanding Premier League campaign. Baleba’s ability to cover ground and operate as a left-footed midfielder provides another dimension to United’s options, allowing Carrick greater flexibility when selecting his midfield combinations.

The signing would also effectively bring an end to Manchester United’s search for further midfield reinforcements this summer.

Manuel Ugarte had been expected to leave Old Trafford during the transfer window, but those plans were disrupted after he suffered a serious knee injury while on World Cup duty with Uruguay.

With Ugarte now unavailable, alongside the earlier departure of Casemiro, the importance of strengthening the midfield became even clearer.

£70m Fee for Baleba Takes Summer Spending to £153m

The potential £70m fee for Baleba shows Manchester United’s determination to back Carrick in the transfer market.

Once the transfer is completed, the club’s spending for the summer will reach £153m. Santos, Tielemans and Baleba represent a substantial investment in an area that had become a major priority for United.

Rather than relying on one signing to solve their midfield problems, Manchester United have chosen to reshape the department with several additions. Each player offers something different, and Baleba’s athleticism could complement the technical ability and experience already available.

At 22, Baleba also fits the profile of a player who can contribute immediately while still possessing considerable room for development.

Brighton, meanwhile, have once again demonstrated their ability to generate significant value in the transfer market. Having signed the midfielder from Lille for £23.2m in 2023, the Seagulls are now set to receive at least £65m, potentially rising to £70m, in addition to the future protection provided by the sell-on clause.

Carlos Baleba Currently Recovering From Ankle Injury

One immediate concern surrounding Carlos Baleba is his current fitness situation.

The midfielder is sidelined with an ankle injury sustained during Brighton’s pre-season training camp in Austria. Manchester United will therefore need to manage his recovery after the transfer is completed, with his medical likely to provide a clearer assessment of his condition.

His injury does not appear to have prevented the clubs from reaching an agreement, although it remains to be seen exactly when Baleba will be ready to make his competitive debut.

Manchester United travel to newly promoted Hull City for their Saturday lunchtime Premier League fixture, with Mainoo available alongside Santos and Tielemans. Baleba’s arrival would further strengthen Carrick’s options once he returns to full fitness.

The Cameroon international’s ability to operate in more than one position could also be useful elsewhere in the squad.

Could Baleba Help Solve Manchester United’s Left-Back Problem?

Although primarily a midfielder, Carlos Baleba is left-footed and has occasionally played at left-back.

Manchester United still face questions over whether they will make another signing before the transfer window closes, particularly in the left-back position. Luke Shaw remains the senior specialist option, while Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, both naturally right-backs, have been used on the left.

Baleba’s positional versatility could provide additional cover if needed, although his main role is expected to be in midfield.

The decision now facing United is whether his arrival is enough to complete their summer business or if Carrick’s squad still requires another specialist defender.

For the moment, though, the focus is firmly on completing the deal.

The agreement over a fee for Baleba represents a major breakthrough, and his eagerness to join Manchester United helped move negotiations towards a conclusion. If his medical goes as planned, the 22-year-old will become another significant addition to a side that has spent heavily on rebuilding its midfield.

For Carrick, the potential arrival of Carlos Baleba offers the energy, athleticism and depth that Manchester United believe they need for the challenges ahead.