Ready to join: Manchester United target Carlos Baleba from Brighton
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Manchester United have submitted a £60m upfront offer plus £5m in add-ons for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba
- The 22-year-old Cameroon international has reportedly pushed for the move to Old Trafford himself
- Baleba would become United's fourth major signing of the summer as the club rebuilds its midfield
Manchester United are on the verge of signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton, with the Premier League club tabling an offer worth up to £65 million for the 22-year-old Cameroon international midfielder.
United's proposal comprises £60 million upfront with a further £5 million in performance-related add-ons.
While the bid falls short of Brighton's earlier asking price, negotiations between the two clubs are understood to be progressing positively, with a compromise described as close.
Does Baleba want to join Manchester United
According to David Ornstein, ?Baleba has reportedly made his preference clear, actively pushing for a transfer to United.
A five-year contract running until June 2030, with an option to extend by a further year, is said to have been agreed in principle with his representatives.
United have paperwork prepared, and a medical is expected to follow once the clubs settle on a final transfer fee.
Brighton had previously valued Baleba in excess of £100 million, but a recent ankle ligament injury, described as not a long-term concern, led the south-coast club to soften their position and enter fresh negotiations.
Newcastle United had also shown serious interest in the midfielder, though Baleba's clear preference for United meant those discussions never advanced to formal club-to-club talks.
Why United are pursuing the deal
Manager Michael Carrick has identified Baleba as a key component of his midfield overhaul at Old Trafford.
The Cameroonian is regarded as a dynamic ball carrier with strong press resistance, effective possession recovery, and the ability to win defensive duels.
His arrival would follow United's earlier additions of Andrey Santos, signed from Chelsea for approximately £48 million to £50 million, and Youri Tielemans, who joined from Aston Villa for £35 million after United triggered his release clause.
Experienced goalkeeper Karl Darlow also joined on a free transfer from Leeds. Those three deals have already cost the club around £85 million this summer.
Baleba would help fill the gap left by Manuel Ugarte, who is currently sidelined with a long-term knee injury.
United's Pre-Season Picture
United completed six pre-season fixtures in Europe, recording two wins, two draws and two defeats.
Victories came against Rosenborg (5-0) and Atlético Madrid (2-1), while the side drew with Paris Saint-Germain and Leeds before losing to Wrexham and AC Milan.
Santos showed promise with his passing and discipline across those matches, while Tielemans quickly developed a working relationship with Bruno Fernandes in central midfield.
Carrick's preference for a higher-pressing, quicker ball-recovery approach was evident throughout the tour.
Concerns remain at left-back and in overall midfield depth, with Mason Mount's foot injury adding to the squad's fitness worries ahead of the Premier League opener against Hull City on August 22.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.