Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, with talks between the two clubs ongoing.
United first attempted to sign the Cameroon international near deadline day last summer but were deterred by Brighton’s valuation, which exceeded £100m at the time.
The price has since dropped significantly, prompting United to revisit their interest after failing in an earlier pursuit of Matheus Fernandes this summer.
United’s opening offer stands at around £60m, which remains below Brighton’s current asking price, but negotiations are continuing between the parties.
The Red Devils have already been active in midfield this window, signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48m and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35m in July.
Mason Mount had impressed alongside Santos during pre-season, but he has been struggling to overcome a foot problem suffered against Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August.
Baleba himself is set to be sidelined for another two to three weeks after picking up an ankle injury during a pre-season training camp in Austria.
Brighton, meanwhile, are preparing to travel to Norway on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Conference League play-off first-leg against Tromso under manager Fabian Hurzeler.
The 21-year-old made 35 appearances for Brighton last season in his role as a defensive midfielder, accumulating seven yellow cards across those outings.
Tactically, Baleba offers something different to what United already possess in their midfield options ahead of the new campaign.
Both Santos and Tielemans resemble Kobbie Mainoo in being technical midfielders who thrive in small spaces, able to rotate and connect well under pressure.
Michael Carrick has spoken of his admiration for a particular style of play, having referred to PSG’s midfield trio as playing “exactly the kind of football I enjoy.”
Baleba’s ability to carry the ball over large distances would complement those technical qualities, allowing him to exploit space when opponents are drawn in by his midfield partners.
Defensively, his athleticism and ability to track back at speed would provide protection against counter-attacks and cover for the relative lack of physicality around him.
His capacity to press high and win the ball back close to the opposition’s box also fits the high-press approach Carrick has employed throughout pre-season training.
Should United be pushed deep, Baleba’s defensive intensity through tackling and closing down could help offset the qualities lost following Casemiro’s departure from the club.
Brighton’s reduced valuation reflects a dip in Baleba’s output, with his appearances dropping from 31 starts and three substitute outings in 2024-25 to 23 starts and eight substitute appearances in 2025-26.
Despite that, United remain keen, and with the transfer deadline approaching, Old Trafford chiefs have pressed ahead and made their move to bring him to the club.
