Manchester United have reached an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion over a £70m deal for midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to Sky Sports. The two clubs have settled on the transfer fee, with the move reportedly advancing as United continue to reshape their midfield.
Sky Sports reports that the agreement is in place, though the outlet does not specify when the transfer will be completed or the length of contract on offer. The 22-year-old Cameroon international has been a regular starter for Brighton since joining the club in 2023.
The deal follows weeks of reported interest from Manchester United, with Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler having previously insisted that Baleba remained "a Brighton player" amid enquiries from the club, as noted by ESPN. Brighton’s chief executive was also asked publicly to confirm United’s interest, with talkSPORT reporting that the club did not deny the approach.
The Guardian has framed the move as part of Manchester United’s broader midfield regeneration, suggesting the club sees Baleba as a long-term piece in that area of the pitch. Brighton, for their part, have a track record of selling key players for significant fees and reinvesting in younger talent.
The fee of £70m would make Baleba one of the most expensive signings in Manchester United’s history, though Sky Sports did not confirm add-ons or payment structure. Neither club has issued an official statement at the time of reporting.
What to watch next: Whether Brighton line up a replacement before the transfer window closes, and when Manchester United officially confirm the signing.
