Man Utd agree fee to sign third midfielder this summer

WHAT HAPPENED
Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion to sign midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to The Athletic. The deal is said to be worth an initial £65m with a further £5m in potential add-ons; Baleba has been allowed to have a medical and the transfer may be confirmed by United before the end of the week.

The move would follow United’s earlier midfield additions this summer, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Baleba is currently sidelined with an ankle problem sustained in pre-season.

KEY CONTEXT
- The Athletic is the source of the report that a fee has been agreed between the clubs and that a medical has been arranged.
- Baleba experienced a difficult 2025/26 campaign at Brighton, spending many matches on the bench after the turn of the year; media speculation around potential moves was said to have affected his form.
- United have already strengthened their midfield earlier in the same window with Tielemans and Santos.

WHY IT MATTERS
A addition of Baleba would make Manchester United’s midfield recruitment a three-player business this summer, signalling a continued reshaping of their central options. The reported fee would represent a substantial outlay by United, and integrating a young midfielder returning from injury will be an immediate challenge for Erik ten Hag’s squad selection and fitness planning.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Manchester United make an official announcement confirming the signing after the reported medical.
- The outcome and timing of Baleba’s medical and any disclosed details on his recovery from the ankle setback.
- How long the midfielder will be unavailable: the report indicates he could be sidelined for at least another three weeks, but that remains to be confirmed by the club.

KEY FACTS
- Reported agreement between Manchester United and Brighton for Carlos Baleba: £65m plus £5m in add-ons (The Athletic).
- Baleba has been permitted to undergo a medical ahead of a possible formal announcement this week.
- United have already signed Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos this summer.
- Baleba had a difficult 2025/26 season at Brighton and was often dropped to the bench after January.
- He is currently out with an ankle injury and could be sidelined for at least three more weeks, according to the report.