Carlos Baleba to Manchester United, ‘Here We Go’ as Clubs Reach Verbal Agreement

Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for the transfer of Cameroon international midfielder Carlos Baleba, with the player now set to complete his move to Old Trafford.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported the breakthrough on Friday, saying United had reached an agreement with Brighton after sending an improved proposal for the highly rated midfielder.

Romano’s latest update described Baleba as being on his way to becoming a new Manchester United player, with the deal now moving towards completion.

The development comes after United’s initial £65 million package was rejected by Brighton. That offer was understood to consist of £60 million upfront and a further £5 million in add-ons.

United subsequently returned with an improved proposal as negotiations accelerated.

The 22-year-old Baleba has reportedly been keen on joining Manchester United, with the Old Trafford club having been his preferred destination amid interest in his services.

Baleba’s impending arrival would represent another major addition to Manchester United’s midfield under head coach Michael Carrick.

The Cameroon international has been identified as a long-term target by United and is viewed as a dynamic midfielder capable of contributing defensively while also carrying the ball forward.

Sky Sports previously reported that United were closing in on a deal worth more than £60 million and that a five-year contract was ready for Baleba once the club-to-club agreement was concluded.

The Guardian also reported that Baleba had already agreed personal terms with United and that the club was determined to complete the transfer after making its £65 million opening proposal.

Baleba joined Brighton from French club Lille in 2023 and has since established himself as one of the Premier League’s promising young midfielders.

His performances have attracted interest from several major clubs, but Manchester United have remained particularly persistent in their pursuit.

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber recently confirmed that several top clubs had shown interest in Baleba but declined to comment specifically on United’s negotiations.

The transfer marks a significant change from Brighton’s position a year ago, when the club was reportedly demanding around £100 million or more for the midfielder.

United’s latest pursuit has come at a considerably lower figure, with reports putting the initial package at around £65 million before the latest improved offer.

TalkSPORT reported that United were confident of agreeing a deal below £75 million and that personal terms with Baleba were already in place.

If the remaining formalities are completed, Baleba will become another major piece of Carrick’s midfield rebuild.

United have already strengthened the department with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, while the club continues to reshape its squad ahead of the new season.

Despite the reported verbal agreement, the transfer still needs to go through the final stages before Baleba can officially be unveiled as a Manchester United player.

A medical, final paperwork and registration procedures are expected to follow.

Sky Sports had earlier reported that Baleba was preparing to travel to Manchester for his medical once the club-to-club agreement was reached.

For Manchester United, the deal would represent another significant investment in a young player viewed as capable of becoming a key part of the club’s midfield for years to come.

For Baleba, meanwhile, the move would fulfil his reported desire to join the 20-time English champions and take the next major step in his career.

In short: the agreement is in place, but the transfer is not yet officially completed until the remaining formalities are done.