Manchester United are reportedly close to finalising a transfer deal with Brighton for midfielder Carlos Baleba.
The 22-year-old is expected to sign a five-year contract in a deal worth in excess of £60m.
Baleba is reportedly preparing to travel to Manchester for his medical once the deal is complete.
He is currently recovering from an ankle injury, but it is not expected to keep him out for long or hinder the transfer deal.
Baleba finally set for Manchester United move
Baleba has long been a Manchester United target.
A move to Manchester was expected to take place last summer, while links throughout the 2026 January transfer window kept many on their toes.
However, things finally appear to be moving in the right direction for the Red Devils, with the club expected to soon announce another strong summer window.
Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have already joined from Chelsea and Aston Villa, respectively, with Baleba expected to be the third addition to Man United’s midfield rebuild.
The Cameroonian joined Brighton in 2023 from Lille and has gone on to become one of the Seagulls’ best players.
Baleba caught the attention of several elite clubs, with a move away from Brighton appearing inevitable last summer after an incredible 2024/25 season.
However, Brighton’s reported £100m-plus valuation of the midfielder made a transfer deal more difficult than expected.
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What can Baleba bring to Manchester United?
His 2025/26 season was not as strong as his previous campaigns, so Manchester United will be hoping to revive the potential he showed not too long ago.
Still, Baleba possesses qualities that should add to Michael Carrick’s midfield.
He is athletic and aggressive, while also capable of winning the ball back in deeper areas and carrying it forward.
His physicality could also provide United with more strength in the middle of the pitch, something that could prove important as Carrick looks to build a more balanced side.
And still only 22, the room for growth makes this a promising signing for Manchester United.
With a deal now reportedly close to completion, Baleba could soon have the opportunity to finally make the long-awaited move to Old Trafford.
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