Man Utd agree £70m fee for Brighton's Baleba
Manchester United have agreed a deal worth up to £70m for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, who is set to undergo a medical.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Manchester United agree a fee of up to £70m for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba
- The package consists of an initial £65m plus £5m in potential add-ons
- The signing takes United's total summer spending to £153 million
Manchester United have reached an agreement with Brighton and Hove Albion for midfielder Carlos Baleba in a deal worth up to 70 million pounds. The two clubs made a breakthrough during negotiations on Friday evening, clearing the 22-year-old Cameroon international to complete his medical examinations with the Old Trafford club over the weekend.
United targeted the midfielder as part of their ongoing efforts to bolster the center of the pitch following the earlier arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The structured transfer involves an initial payment of 65 million pounds alongside 5 million pounds in performance-related add-ons, while Brighton have also secured a sell-on clause.
Baleba, who originally transferred to Brighton from Lille in 2023, is currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the club's pre-season training camp in Austria. His eagerness to make the switch to Old Trafford helped accelerate the negotiations, and once finalized, the transfer will push Manchester United's total summer spending to 153 million pounds.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
This acquisition concludes United's search for midfield reinforcements following the departure of veteran Brazilian player Casemiro upon the expiration of his contract. Manuel Ugarte had also been anticipated to leave this summer, but those plans were disrupted when he sustained a serious knee injury while on international duty with Uruguay.
Manchester United's heavy investment in midfield personnel this transfer window highlights a strategic overhaul aimed at revitalizing the squad under Michael Carrick's management. By bringing in a mix of youthful energy and proven Premier League experience, the club is actively addressing the physical and tactical gaps left by departing senior players ahead of a demanding campaign.
Baleba is expected to inject additional athleticism into Carrick's squad. Alongside Santos and Tielemans, England international Kobbie Mainoo will also be available as United prepare for their Saturday lunchtime Premier League fixture away against newly promoted Hull City.
Source: BBC Sport
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