Manchester United advance Baleba talks as ankle injury clouds move
Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, but an ankle injury suffered in pre-season could delay his debut until September.
According to The Athletic, United and Brighton are nearing an agreement. David Ornstein has reported that United’s offer stands at £60m plus £5m in add-ons, below Brighton’s valuation, while discussions between the clubs continue. Ben Jacobs has also reported that Baleba has agreed personal terms for a move to Old Trafford.
United’s interest in Baleba
United were strongly linked with Baleba during last summer’s transfer window, when Brighton’s valuation of the midfielder was in excess of £100m. The 22-year-old had an underwhelming 2025-26 campaign at the Amex, but United continued to keep him high on their midfield shortlist.
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and has made 112 appearances for the Seagulls, scoring four goals and providing two assists. Last season, he made 35 appearances for Brighton and was absent in December and January while on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Cameroon.
When could Baleba make his debut?
The immediate issue is fitness. Baleba is sidelined with an ankle injury sustained in the early stages of pre-season and, according to BBC Sport, he is expected to be out for another two or three weeks. That could put a September return in prospect rather than an August one.
United travel to Hull on August 22 before hosting Ipswich on August 30. They then visit Everton on September 6 and welcome Manchester City on September 13. Baleba could potentially be available for the Manchester derby, although a more cautious approach could see his debut held back until the trip to Fulham on September 20.
The midfield picture
Baleba would be United’s third midfield signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. United’s offer remains below Brighton’s valuation, with talks continuing between the clubs.
