Man Utd close on deal for Brighton's Baleba

WHAT HAPPENED
Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. United previously pursued the Cameroon international near last summer’s deadline but were put off by a valuation reportedly above £100m; they have now returned with an opening bid of about £60m, which is said to be below Brighton’s asking price but has prompted continued discussions.

The club’s renewed interest follows an earlier failed attempt this summer to sign Matheus Fernandes. United have already added two midfielders this window — Andrey Santos (from Chelsea, for £48m) and Youri Tielemans (from Aston Villa, for £35m) — and Baleba remains a target despite picking up an ankle injury in Brighton’s pre-season camp that is expected to keep him out for two to three weeks.

KEY CONTEXT
- Brighton valued Baleba at more than £100m last summer, which deterred United then; reports say that valuation has since fallen.
- Baleba played 35 times for Brighton last season and collected seven yellow cards while operating in a defensive-midfield role.
- Statistical evidence cited in the report shows a dip in his league involvement: from 31 Premier League starts and three substitute appearances in 2024–25 to 23 starts and eight substitute appearances in 2025–26.
- Brighton qualified for European competition for only the second time in their history in the season when Baleba’s involvement decreased.
- Brighton travel to Norway for the UEFA Conference League play-off first leg against Tromsø this week; it is reported Baleba is expected to be sidelined for a short period due to the ankle issue.

WHY IT MATTERS
Baleba is described as a box-to-box midfielder type that Manchester United do not currently possess in depth, so his arrival would address a specific profile missing from their midfield despite the recent additions of Santos and Tielemans. At the same time, the reduction in Baleba’s market value is linked in the report to a downturn in his form and fewer starts last season, which helps explain the gap between United’s opening offer and Brighton’s earlier valuation. Ongoing concerns over Mason Mount’s foot problem — sustained on 8 August and affecting his pre-season — increase the practical need for midfield reinforcements.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Brighton will accept United’s reported opening bid of about £60m or hold out for a higher fee.
- The outcome of continued talks between the clubs and any change to the offer.
- Baleba’s recovery timeline from his ankle injury and whether he will be available for selection for Brighton’s European fixtures.
- How United balance squad needs if Mount’s foot issue persists.

KEY FACTS
- Manchester United have made an opening offer of about £60m for Carlos Baleba; talks are ongoing.
- Brighton valued Baleba at more than £100m last summer; that figure is reported to have fallen since.
- United have signed Andrey Santos (from Chelsea, £48m) and Youri Tielemans (from Aston Villa, £35m) this summer.
- Baleba made 35 appearances for Brighton last season and received seven yellow cards.
- His Premier League involvement dropped from 31 starts + 3 sub appearances (2024–25) to 23 starts + 8 sub appearances (2025–26).
- Baleba is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks with an ankle injury sustained in pre-season.