Manchester United are set to return to the negotiating table with Brighton & Hove Albion for Carlos Baleba, with confidence around the proposed transfer increasing significantly since yesterday. The two clubs remain in direct discussions over the Cameroon international, and United are now pushing to bridge the remaining gap and complete the deal. Recent reports indicate that the proposed package is worth around £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons, although Brighton have yet to accept the current structure.
The renewed optimism comes after a transfer pursuit that has already lasted more than one summer. United were interested in Baleba previously but walked away when Brighton’s valuation was reportedly above £100 million. The current negotiations are taking place at a considerably lower level, with reports suggesting Brighton are now willing to consider a sale if their valuation is satisfied. In other words, the same player who once carried a nine-figure price tag is suddenly back on United’s shopping list with a slightly less terrifying receipt.
Carlos Baleba Negotiations Enter Crucial Stage
The latest Carlos Baleba negotiations could prove decisive. Manchester United have already demonstrated their seriousness with a substantial proposal, while Brighton have rejected earlier terms and continued discussions rather than closing the door completely. Sky Sports reports that the clubs are close to a full agreement, with the final fee and structure still being worked out and a five-year contract already prepared for the player.
United’s persistence reflects how important Carlos Baleba has become to their midfield plans. Michael Carrick’s side have already added Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, but the club are still seeking greater athleticism, defensive coverage and ball-carrying ability in midfield. Baleba’s physical qualities and Premier League experience make him a logical target for a team attempting to become more competitive in the centre of the pitch.
The financial side remains the biggest issue. Reports from The Athletic, via other outlets, indicate that United’s proposal has been around €70 million, equivalent to approximately £60 million, with additional bonuses. Brighton’s valuation remains higher, but the gap appears negotiable rather than impossible.
Manchester United See Baleba as a Midfield Solution
For Manchester United, the attraction of Carlos Baleba goes beyond his age. The 22-year-old has already accumulated substantial Premier League experience since joining Brighton from Lille in 2023, and his physical style could provide United with qualities they have lacked in midfield at various points.
Baleba is particularly effective at winning the ball, carrying possession through midfield and using his strength to escape pressure. That combination could complement players such as Bruno Fernandes, Tielemans and Santos by giving United greater defensive security behind their more creative midfielders. Sky Sports has described the deal as potentially transformative for Carrick’s midfield, while noting that Baleba’s form dipped during the previous campaign after last summer’s transfer speculation failed to produce a move.
There is one immediate complication: Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle injury picked up during pre-season. ESPN reports that the injury is being monitored while Brighton remain willing to sanction his departure if their valuation is met. That means United will have to complete their medical assessment carefully before committing to a major financial investment.
The circumstances are nevertheless dramatically different from last summer. Brighton previously valued Carlos Baleba at more than £100 million, but United are now negotiating around the £60m-£65m range, with add-ons potentially taking the package higher. If the two clubs can settle the remaining financial details, Baleba could become one of the biggest midfield additions of United’s new era under Carrick.
For Carlos Baleba, the next few hours could be decisive. Manchester United are returning to negotiations with renewed confidence, Brighton are still talking, and the financial gap appears capable of being bridged. Nothing is officially completed until the clubs sign off on the agreement and the medical is completed, but the direction of travel is increasingly clear: Carlos Baleba is getting closer to Old Trafford, and Manchester United are determined to make sure this particular transfer saga does not require a third summer to finish.
