🚨✅ BREAKING: Carlos Baleba Agrees Personal Terms with Manchester United — Club Now Set to Open Talks with Brighton & Hove Albion
The transfer market never sleeps, and today Manchester United fans have been handed a major boost in their summer recruitment drive. Highly-rated Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, bringing Erik ten Hag’s side one step closer to securing one of the Premier League’s most promising young talents.
Sources close to the negotiation confirm that United’s representatives have been in discreet contact with Baleba’s camp over the past two weeks. The discussions have now reached a significant breakthrough, with the player giving his green light to the personal contract proposal laid on the table. While this is a major leap forward, the move is far from complete — United must now focus on the potentially challenging task of persuading Brighton to part with the Cameroonian midfielder.
Who is Carlos Baleba?
For those unfamiliar with his meteoric rise, Carlos Baleba is a 20-year-old defensive midfielder who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023. Known for his tireless work rate, ball-winning ability, and tactical intelligence beyond his years, he quickly established himself as one of Roberto De Zerbi’s most dependable players.
Baleba combines physical dominance with composure in possession, attributes that have drawn comparisons to the likes of Yves Bissouma and Idrissa Gueye. Standing at 6’0” with a commanding presence, his ability to shield the backline, break up opposition attacks, and launch counter-moves has made him a key cog in Brighton’s midfield.
This is precisely the type of profile Manchester United have been seeking — someone who can not only protect their defense but also provide energy and dynamism in the center of the park.
United’s Midfield Problem
It’s no secret that Manchester United’s midfield has been an area of concern in recent seasons. While the club boasts experienced campaigners like Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, both are now in their thirties and have shown signs of fatigue during a demanding campaign. Injuries and inconsistency have also hindered the team’s ability to dominate games from midfield.
Scott McTominay has stepped up with crucial goals, but his skill set leans more towards box-to-box play rather than deep-lying control. Sofyan Amrabat’s loan spell from Fiorentina has yet to convince many that he is the long-term solution. Ten Hag has therefore been eager to inject fresh legs, athleticism, and defensive resilience into his squad — and Baleba fits the bill perfectly.
The Personal Terms Agreement
Reports indicate that Baleba’s agreement with United covers a five-year deal with an option for a further year. The package includes improved wages from his current Brighton contract, performance-based bonuses, and assurances of significant involvement in the first team from the outset.
Sources say the negotiations with the player’s representatives were smooth, thanks in part to Baleba’s admiration for Manchester United’s history and his desire to work under Erik ten Hag, whose tactical philosophy is said to align with the player’s own aspirations for development.
Brighton’s Stance — The Tough Part Begins
While the personal terms agreement is a huge milestone, Manchester United now face the tricky part: dealing with Brighton’s negotiating team.
Brighton are renowned for their no-nonsense transfer strategy — they rarely let key players go for anything less than premium market value. In recent years, they have sold the likes of Moisés Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Yves Bissouma for substantial fees, often extracting more than rival clubs initially expected to pay.
Baleba signed a long-term contract with Brighton less than two years ago, giving the Seagulls a strong position in negotiations. Early estimates suggest United may have to table a bid in the region of £45–50 million to tempt Brighton to even consider opening the door.
Why Baleba Wants the Move
From the player’s perspective, joining Manchester United offers several appealing prospects:
- Global Stage: Playing for one of the most famous clubs in world football means more exposure, both in the Premier League and in European competitions.
- Development Under Ten Hag: The Dutch manager has a proven track record of developing young players, both at Ajax and now at United.
- Ambition to Win Titles: While Brighton have been competitive and ambitious, United’s resources and stature make them perennial contenders for silverware.
- Personal Challenge: Baleba has reportedly told close friends he wants to test himself at the very top level and compete against the best midfielders in the world week in, week out.
How He Fits at United
If the deal goes through, Baleba is expected to slot in as a defensive midfielder capable of anchoring the side when Casemiro is unavailable, and even playing alongside him in a double-pivot system when Ten Hag opts for more solidity.
His presence could allow Bruno Fernandes and other attacking players greater freedom, knowing there’s a reliable shield behind them. His ability to transition quickly from defense to attack could also help United become less predictable and more dynamic in breaking down stubborn opponents.
Potential Domino Effect
Transfers rarely happen in isolation, and Baleba’s arrival could trigger movement elsewhere in United’s squad. A high-profile midfield signing might see Sofyan Amrabat return to Fiorentina after his loan, while it could also lead to reduced minutes for McTominay unless he’s redeployed further forward.
On Brighton’s side, losing Baleba would likely push them into the market for another young, energetic midfielder — something their scouting department has excelled at in recent years.
Fan Reactions
Unsurprisingly, United fans have taken to social media to celebrate the news of Baleba agreeing personal terms. Many see him as the kind of signing that reflects smart, long-term planning rather than the scattergun approach sometimes associated with the club in previous windows.
Brighton fans, meanwhile, have expressed mixed emotions — pride that one of their players is attracting interest from a club like Manchester United, but disappointment at the prospect of losing another key performer.
The Road Ahead
The next steps will be crucial. Manchester United’s negotiators will likely table an opening bid in the coming days, testing Brighton’s resolve. The Seagulls are under no financial pressure to sell, which means United will have to be both patient and persuasive.
If all goes well, the deal could be completed before the start of pre-season, allowing Baleba to integrate quickly into Ten Hag’s plans. However, if Brighton dig their heels in, this could become one of the more drawn-out sagas of the transfer window.
Conclusion
Carlos Baleba’s agreement on personal terms with Manchester United is a major development, but it’s only half the battle. Brighton & Hove Albion will prove to be formidable negotiators, and the coming weeks will reveal whether United can strike the right balance between ambition and financial prudence.
For Erik ten Hag, securing Baleba would be more than just another transfer — it would be a statement that Manchester United are serious about building a balanced, energetic, and forward-thinking squad capable of challenging for top honours.
As things stand, the ball is in United’s court. They’ve won the player’s heart; now they must win over Brighton’s boardroom.
