Manchester United are edging closer to completing a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, with the two clubs in active negotiations over a transfer reportedly worth around £65m. The Cameroon international, 22, has already agreed personal terms with the Old Trafford club, and United are confident of getting the deal done for a fee below £75m.
United's opening offer is understood to be £60m plus £5m in add-ons, a figure that falls short of Brighton's original valuation. The Seagulls had rated Baleba at close to £100m when United first showed serious interest last summer, but his price has come down following a season of inconsistent form on the south coast.
Baleba is currently nursing an ankle injury, which may delay his involvement once the move is finalised. Should the transfer go through, he would become United's fourth signing of the summer under manager Michael Carrick, joining Youri Tielemans, who arrived from Aston Villa for £35m, Andrey Santos, signed from Chelsea for £48m, and goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
The Cameroonian's arrival would represent United's third midfield addition of the window, giving Carrick a wealth of options in the centre of the park. Baleba operates naturally as a No. 6 and is expected to bring energy and drive to United's midfield, directly challenging Santos for a starting role alongside Tielemans in a double pivot behind captain Bruno Fernandes.
With Baleba, Tielemans, Santos and Kobbie Mainoo all competing for places, Carrick faces a genuine selection dilemma once his squad is fully fit. The early expectation is that Baleba would partner the more experienced Tielemans in midfield, with Santos providing depth and cover for the newcomer. Mainoo, who many felt would benefit from a fresh start under Carrick, may find his path to regular football complicated further, with question marks growing over whether his long-term future lies at the club.
Mason Mount's role also remains a subject of debate. The former Chelsea man impressed during pre-season, forming a promising partnership with Santos, and had looked to be building momentum before recent injury concerns halted his progress; he was absent from training this week. His versatility, however, means he could still feature either in a wide role or as a more advanced option, potentially deputising for Fernandes or dropping into a deeper role in place of Tielemans when needed.
Elsewhere in midfield, Manuel Ugarte remains sidelined for an extended period after undergoing knee surgery. Once he returns to fitness, the Uruguayan is expected to serve as defensive cover behind Baleba, adding further competition to an increasingly crowded engine room at Old Trafford.
United's business is not expected to stop with Baleba. The club remains active in the market for a new left-back, with Newcastle's Lewis Hall and Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly both said to be under consideration as Carrick looks to strengthen his defensive options before the window closes.
Carrick's side begin their Premier League campaign this weekend with an away trip to newly promoted Hull City, marking the start of his first full season in charge. Should Baleba's move be completed in time, supporters may have to wait a little longer to see him in action given his current injury, but his signing would nonetheless signal United's intent to build a more competitive and dynamic midfield unit for the campaign ahead.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport and The Guardian.