Man United in advanced talks to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba

Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, with talks continuing over an initial £60m offer, the BBC reported on 19 August 2026.

United previously tried to sign the Cameroon international close to last season's transfer deadline but were deterred by Brighton's valuation, which was reported to be in excess of £100m; that figure has since fallen and United revived their interest after failing to land Matheus Fernandes earlier this summer.

The club have already added midfield reinforcements this window, signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48m and Youri Tielemans, who joined from Aston Villa in July for £35m; Mason Mount had performed well alongside Santos in the first three pre-season games but is managing a foot problem sustained against Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August.

Baleba's fitness is an immediate concern for any move: he injured an ankle ligament during pre-season and it is not clear when he will be available to play, with the player expected to be sidelined for another two to three weeks.

As a defensive midfielder for Brighton last season, Baleba made 35 appearances and received seven yellow cards, figures that underline his involvement in the side's campaign.

Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton squad fly to Norway on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's UEFA Conference League play-off first-leg match with Tromso, a fixture for which Baleba's availability remains uncertain while talks between the clubs continue.

Negotiations between Manchester United and Brighton are ongoing around the reported £60m opening bid, with the player's current injury and Brighton's immediate European fixture the next factors to be resolved before any transfer can be completed.