Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as they continue to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season.
United attempted to sign the Cameroon international last summer but were put off by Brighton’s valuation, which was in excess of £100 million.
However, Baleba’s price has reduced significantly, and, after failing in their pursuit of Matheus Fernandes earlier this summer, United have decided to revisit the midfielder.
As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, the Red Devils have submitted an initial £60 million offer, which remains below Brighton’s valuation, but negotiations are continuing.
United have already strengthened their midfield this summer with the arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48 million and Youri Tielemans, who joined from Aston Villa for £35 million in July.
Mason Mount impressed alongside Santos during United’s first three pre-season games but has since been struggling with a foot problem suffered against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August.
Baleba, meanwhile, is expected to be sidelined for another two to three weeks after suffering an ankle injury during a pre-season training camp in Austria.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler’s squad is due to fly to Norway on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Conference League play-off first-leg match against Tromso.
Baleba made 35 appearances for Brighton last season, receiving seven yellow cards while operating primarily as a defensive midfielder.
The move makes sense for United, who tried to sign Baleba 12 months ago and are therefore fully aware of his qualities.
The Cameroon international is the type of box-to-box midfielder United lack despite the arrivals of Santos and Tielemans.
Baleba also wants to make the move, while the eventual fee is expected to be significantly lower than the £100 million Brighton demanded previously.
However, the reduction in his valuation is partly due to the underwhelming form he showed last season.
Baleba made 31 Premier League starts and three substitute appearances in 2024-25, compared with 23 starts and eight substitute appearances in 2025-26. The figures highlight a decline in his form and importance to Hurzeler during a campaign in which Brighton secured European football for only the second time in their history.
There was speculation that Baleba’s head had been turned by United’s interest, but Brighton sources last season said they did not believe that was the case.
With the transfer deadline approaching, United have now made their move.
Manager Michael Carrick will hope the club can secure the 2024-25 version of Baleba as they look to add further strength and energy to their midfield.
