Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba is edging closer to a move away from the Amex after Manchester United reached an agreement with the Seagulls for his transfer.
United have agreed a deal worth up to £70 million for the Cameroon international, consisting of an initial £65m payment and a further £5m in performance-related add-ons. Brighton have also negotiated a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Baleba, 22, joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and has developed into an important figure at the club. He has made more than 100 appearances for the Seagulls and attracted significant attention from United after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s promising young midfielders.
The midfielder is expected to undergo a medical in Manchester before completing the move. United see Baleba as an important addition to their midfield as Michael Carrick continues to reshape his squad.
For Brighton, however, the agreement represents another significant departure of a highly valued young player. The Seagulls have built a reputation for developing emerging talent and securing substantial transfer fees when those players move on.
While there has been no confirmed statement from Baleba saying, “I’m leaving, but Brighton will always be in my heart,” his impending departure is nevertheless likely to be an emotional moment for Brighton supporters who have watched his development since his arrival from France.
The transfer is now subject to the final formalities, including Baleba completing his medical.
