Manchester United agree deal to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba
What's the story
Manchester United are set to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba for a reported fee of £70 million. The deal, which includes a guaranteed sum of £65 million and an additional £5 million in add-ons, also has a sell-on clause included. As per Fabrizio Romano, the midfielder has authorization to travel from Brighton as United have booked a medical over the weekend. Meanwhile, as per Sky Sports News, Baleba is expected to sign a five-year contract with the club and will undergo his medical examination within the next 24 hours.
Player profile
Baleba's stats for Brighton and current status
Baleba, who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023, has made 112 appearances for the club, scoring four goals.
92 of his appearances have come in the Premier League (G3).
He was a key player last season, featuring 35 times despite missing some games while playing for Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The young midfielder is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury sustained during pre-season but isn't expected to be sidelined for long.
Tactical fit
Baleba will be United's 3rd midfield signing
Baleba's signing comes as United look to bolster their midfield. He will be their third addition in this area, following Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50m and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35m.
The young midfielder is seen as a potential game-changer for the club, thanks to his athleticism, aggression, and ball-carrying ability through midfield.
These qualities could bring a much-needed dynamism and steel to United's game.
Twitter Post
Here we go!
🚨🔴 The exclusive update of the night: Manchester United sign Carlos Baleba for £65m plus £5m add-ons.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2026
Here we go. 🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/bMOVqY4GQX