Manchester United appear to have reached the final stages of their move for Carlos Baleba, with the midfielder confirming the switch after the clubs exchanged signed paperwork. The deal is understood to be worth £65m plus up to £5m in add-ons, while Brighton are also set to retain a sell-on clause as the remaining registration and clearance steps await confirmation.
- Baleba has confirmed his move from Brighton to Manchester United after the paperwork was signed.
- The package is understood to include a £65m initial fee, up to £5m in add-ons and a sell-on clause for Brighton.
- The midfielder had already been cleared to travel for a medical before the documents were exchanged.
Carlos Baleba’s Manchester United Move Takes Shape
Carlos Baleba, the Brighton midfielder at the centre of Manchester United’s latest transfer push, has seen his move progress quickly over the past few days. Things moved swiftly from travel authorisation for a medical on 21 August to signed and exchanged documents on 23 August, before Baleba himself confirmed the switch on 25 August.
The £65m-plus-£5m package and Brighton’s sell-on clause should still be treated as understood terms rather than officially published club figures, while the exact contract length, any optional extension, registration timing, and visa clearance have not yet been formally confirmed.
Why Manchester United Wanted Baleba
Manchester United are adding midfield depth here. Baleba brings the kind of mobility and front-foot energy that could give the side much-needed protection in front of the back four. His game is built around winning the ball in deeper areas, covering ground quickly, carrying possession through midfield, and offering a capable passing range.
His recent Premier League workload shows exactly why this is a move for a ready-made senior option rather than a pure long-term project. Baleba made 34 league appearances, including 31 starts, and played 2,660 minutes in 2024, then followed that up with 31 appearances and 23 starts in 2025. There is still a balance to strike, though; his form dipped after his breakout campaign, so consistency is likely to be part of the challenge as he settles in at Old Trafford.
Brighton’s Deal and Baleba’s Next Step
Brighton had previously been looking for a much bigger fee for Baleba, with expectations at one stage sitting above £100m and around the £115m mark. That makes the current agreement notable even before the add-ons are counted, although the sell-on clause would give Brighton a chance to retain some future upside if Baleba develops further at Manchester United.
Baleba was listed among Brighton’s injured players on 21 August after suffering an ankle ligament issue in pre-season, so his impact may not be immediate even if the remaining administrative steps are wrapped up quickly. Brighton would also need to plan for the departure of a regular Premier League starter.
