Man United Transfer Update: No £96m Agreement Yet for Brighton Star Carlos Baleba Despite Strong Interest
By SpringnewsNG Media Limited August 15,2025
Reports claiming Manchester United have agreed a £96 million deal to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion have been dismissed as inaccurate, despite the midfielder remaining a top target for the Red Devils this summer.
Cameroonian outlet CFOOT suggested on Thursday that a transfer had been finalised, but according to journalist Nathan Salt, no agreement currently exists between the two Premier League clubs.
Baleba, 21, is under contract at the Amex Stadium until 2028, with Brighton valuing him in excess of £100m. The midfielder has scored four goals and registered two assists in 77 appearances since joining from Lille in 2023.
Man United’s Midfield Push
United boss Ruben Amorim is eager to add an energetic, ball-winning midfielder to his starting XI and views Baleba as the ideal fit. Talks between the clubs are ongoing, but negotiations remain complicated by Brighton’s firm stance on valuation.
Transfer insider Ben Jacobs said United are currently “bidding blind,” explaining:
“They feel they have the player’s buy-in, but Brighton haven’t given them a fixed asking price. If United get close to their internal number, Brighton will sell — but right now, it’s a guessing game.”
Liverpool and Manchester City are also admirers of Baleba, but neither are expected to make a move during this transfer window. The midfielder is believed to be keen on a switch to Old Trafford, even without the lure of European football next season.
Big-Spending Summer at Old Trafford
Manchester United have already invested heavily in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko this summer. Further sales — potentially involving Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Rasmus Hojlund — could free up funds to push for Baleba before the window closes.
