Manchester United’s summer rebuild under Michael Carrick is picking up serious steam. After already locking in deals for Brazilian midfielders Ederson Silva and Andrey Santos — Santos is set for his medical on Thursday — the club is now turning its attention to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. And according to journalist Ross Harwood, talks could accelerate in the coming days.
Harwood, who has a decent-sized following on X and covers United’s transfer business closely, posted late Tuesday that personal terms between Baleba and United are already in place from last summer. The 22-year-old Cameroon international wanted the move then and still wants it now. Brighton, as usual, will drive a hard bargain — they’re reportedly holding out for £70-80 million.
That’s a lot for a player who isn’t exactly a household name yet. But United are clearly looking for a long-term replacement for Casemiro, and Baleba fits the profile. He’s young, athletic, and has the kind of destructive energy in midfield that Carrick seems to value. The fact that he’s already agreed to personal terms should make negotiations simpler, if not cheaper.
Not everyone is convinced a deal is close
While Harwood is confident, other well-connected reporters aren’t so sure. Fabrizio Romano, who basically lives inside transfer windows, said on his YouTube channel that the Baleba situation is “a little bit cold” right now. According to him, United haven’t made a formal approach or bid to Brighton. The player wants the move, but that’s where it stands.
Ben Jacobs of talkSPORT echoed that sentiment. He suggested United have other midfield targets ahead of Baleba. But Jacobs also pointed out that because Baleba already has loose personal terms in place from last summer, United could move quickly if they decide to prioritize him. It’s not a deal that requires long negotiation — just a check to Brighton.
Where this leaves United’s midfield
If all three signings go through — Ederson, Santos, and Baleba — United will have essentially replaced their entire midfield in one window. That’s a massive shift, especially with Champions League football back on the schedule. Carrick is clearly building for the future, not just patching holes.
But £80 million is a lot to stomach for a player who’s still developing. Brighton has a track record of extracting top dollar for their talent, and they won’t make an exception here. Whether United actually pulls the trigger or pivots to another target depends on how the next few days play out. For now, the engine is running. We’ll see if they drive it over the finish line.
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