Man Utd complete midfield rebuild with £70m Carlos Baleba agreement
Manchester United have agreed a deal with Brighton for Carlos Baleba, with sources confirming to TEAMtalk that terms have now been agreed between the two Premier League clubs.
TEAMtalk understands the agreement is worth around £70million, which was always Brighton’s minimum asking price for the Cameroon international.
United made a £65million offer earlier this week, but negotiations continued between the clubs as they worked towards a final agreement.
United first tried to sign Baleba last summer and TEAMtalk understands they never lost interest in the midfielder after that initial move.
Indeed, Baleba himself has been keen on the possibility of joining the Red Devils since their first approach last year, and sources state he was eager to make the move once the opportunity reopened this summer.
Those talks have now concluded with the two sides reaching terms and Baleba set to become the latest major addition to United’s midfield.
TEAMtalk revealed earlier this week that sporting director Jason Wilcox was pushing hard to get the deal done, having been convinced for some time that Baleba was the right fit for the club.
Wilcox has now got his man, with United completing a pursuit that began more than a year ago.
It’s understood the 22-year-old has already agreed personal terms in principle with United, with the remaining formalities and final contractual details now expected to be completed over the weekend.
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Carlos Baleba completes Man Utd midfield
Baleba will become the third central midfielder United have signed this summer, following the arrivals of Chelsea’s Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
The move also completes a significant piece of work for United’s recruitment department, who had explored a wide range of midfield options before returning to Baleba as their preferred target.
Now, the club have secured the player they believe can add further physicality, athleticism and defensive strength to the heart of their midfield.
The final terms will be worked through over the weekend before Baleba’s move to Old Trafford is formally completed.
