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

Manchester United have agreed to a £70m fee for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. The 22-year-old Cameroon international is set to complete his medical with the Red Devils this weekend. United's interest in Baleba intensified after their recent signings of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The deal includes an initial £65m and a potential £5m in add-ons, while Brighton will negotiate a sell-on clause.

Baleba, who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023, is currently injured with an ankle problem he sustained during their pre-season training camp in Austria. His transfer will bring Manchester United's summer spending to a total of £153m. However, it represents a significant saving for Brighton, who had set a high transfer fee as the 2025 deadline approached.

It remains uncertain whether United will pursue a left-back signing to replace Luke Shaw, or if Baleba, a left-footed player capable of playing in that role, and existing right-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can meet the demands of head coach Michael Carrick. The transfer marks the end of United's efforts to bolster their midfield following Casemiro's departure, as Manuel Ugarte's serious knee injury sidelined him from leaving this summer.

Mainoo, alongside Santos and Tielemans, will join United ahead of their upcoming Premier League match against Hull City.