Man Utd agree £70m fee for Brighton's Baleba

What the report says

Manchester United have agreed a deal worth up to £70m for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to BBC Sport Football. The move was reached after late negotiations on Friday evening, and the 22-year-old was then set to undergo a medical at Old Trafford over the weekend. The reported package includes an initial £65m fee and up to £5m in add-ons, with Brighton also securing a sell-on clause.

Baleba, a Cameroon international, joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and is currently out with an ankle injury sustained during pre-season training in Austria. BBC Sport said United identified him as a midfield target this week as they continued to reshape the squad after earlier summer arrivals. The transfer is also presented as part of a wider response to changes in United’s midfield options, including the departure of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte’s injury issues.

If completed, the signing would take United’s summer spending to about £153m. The article also notes that the club may still look to strengthen at left-back, although Baleba’s left-footed profile and his occasional use there could provide cover. More broadly, the deal underlines United’s push to add more athleticism and depth in midfield ahead of the Premier League season.