Manchester United are closing in on a £65million deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Talks resumed for the 22-year-old Cameroon international in recent weeks after it became clear the ankle ligament injury he suffered during a pre-season friendly against Strasbourg in early August was not as serious as initially feared.
Baleba is expected to return to fitness towards the end of September and is understood to be poised to sign a five-year contract at Old Trafford, keeping him at the club until 2031.
Baleba has been a target for Manchester United for the past year after impressing initially with his industrious performances at Brighton, but he was valued around £75m.
His form dropped away in the second half of last season but United still see enough potential to invest in with his age.
Baleba has also drawn enquiries from Newcastle United in recent weeks.
Talks resumed for the 22-year-old after it became clear the ankle ligament injury he suffered during a pre-season friendly in early August was not as serious as initially feared
With plans to invest in three central midfielders, United have already completed two major signings in Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa (£35m), and Andrey Santo from Chelsea (£50m)
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille for just £23m in 2023 and immediately impressed, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young midfielders in the top-flight.
His dynamism and ability to break the press made him a key figure in Roberto De Zerbi’s side before Fabian Hurzeler took charge in 2024.
United looked to sign Baleba last summer, but Brighton wanted in excess of £100m for him and stood firm.
Speaking in October, Brighton’s chairman Tony Bloom said: ‘There was interest from Manchester United, and we said that he wasn’t available this summer and they went away.
‘His improvement has been immense. He’s a massively important player to this football club, and we’re just delighted that he’s with us for this season.’
Last season Hurzeler said that the player had struggled with the speculation of a move to United.
‘I think it’s normal for a young player when the media creates the noise around him,’ the young manager said. ‘It’s not easy for this player to handle it.
‘Therefore, we need to give him the time and support so he comes back to his best performance.
‘But he’s a young player and I think that’s something we have to accept, that young players don’t always have the face we want to see.’
Prior to Tielemans and Santos’ arrival, 21-year-old Kobbie Mainoo was the only established senior central midfielder in the squad
Manuel Ugarte, who United were prepared to offload, sustained a serious knee injury during the World Cup for Uruguay, and will now remain at the club until his expected return in 2027
United set about to reshape their midfield this summer following the departure of the influential Casemiro to MLS side Inter Miami. Manuel Ugarte, who they were prepared to offload, sustained a serious knee injury during the World Cup for Uruguay, will now remain at the club until his expected return at the start of next year.
With plans to invest around £150 million in three central midfielders, they have already completed two major signings in Youri Tielemans, 29, from Aston Villa in a £35m deal, and Andrey Santos, 22, from Chelsea for £50m.
Prior to Tielemans and Santos’ arrival, 21-year-old Kobbie Mainoo was the only established senior central midfielder in the squad.
Daily Mail Sport reported in May that United had earmarked around £80 for a marquee signing to replace the Brazilian, and they saw their No 1 target Elliot Anderson head to Manchester City for a record £116m deal. United also agreed terms with Atlanta for Brazil star Ederson but backed out due to concerns over his knee.
Although Michael Carrick has been talking up the importance of giving United’s academy players more opportunities, while Tyler Fletcher and Toby Collyer have seen significant game time during pre-season.
