news-engine

Manchester United are in the process of finalising an agreement for Carlos Baleba. David Ornstein broke the news this morning that the Red Devils were closing in on a deal for Baleba, having submitted an offer worth £60 million plus £5m in add-ons. 🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United closing in on deal to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion. #MUFC offer for 22yo Cameroon midfielder ~£60+5m; below #BHAFC valuation but amicable talks continue as all parties work to reach agreement @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/WmP1bD2JuT — David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 19, 2026 Carlos Baleba: The state of play The fee is said to be below Brighton and Hove Albion’s valuation. However, all parties are working to get the transfer over the line. Brighton will be well aware that Baleba himself has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford after missing out on one 12 months ago. United made a formal approach to try and prise the midfielder from Fabian Hurzeler’s ranks, but Brighton made it clear he was off-limits. Fabian Hurzeler admits Manchester United links could be affecting Carlos Baleba pic.twitter.com/k5E56S8Jhn — BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) September 20, 2025 It was expected INEOS would revive their interest this summer, which they’ve now done with two weeks to go before the transfer window slams shut. Meanwhile, Baleba has been ‘pushing like crazy’ behind the scenes to seal his dream switch. When might Baleba actually play for United? Assuming a deal is finalised in the coming days, the 22-year-old would still not be able to feature in United’s season-opener against Hull City on Saturday afternoon. He sustained an ankle ligament injury in pre-season, which has rendered him unavailable for the first weeks of the term. Yet, it isn’t thought to be a long-term problem, so Baleba could realistically be making his debut in time for the first instalment of the Manchester derby in M16 on September 13. Told ankle injury Baleba suffered during early pre-season will keep him out for two or three weeks. Nothing major. https://t.co/JB0jlPaWqJ — Simon Stone (@sistoney67) August 19, 2026 The Cameroonian, who ‘can do it all’ in the middle of the park, has racked up 92 Premier League appearances since joining Brighton from Lille in 2023. Carlos Baleba can do it all!@OfficialBHAFC pic.twitter.com/leXCGphLHE — Premier League India (@PLforIndia) August 19, 2026 Signing for the Reds would also allow him to ply his trade in the Champions League for the first time.