Manchester United’s pursuit of Carlos Baleba has moved into a decisive phase, with this update reflecting the state of talks as of 19 August 2026. United are closing in on a full agreement with Brighton for the 22-year-old midfielder, and the two clubs are working through the final details of a deal worth more than £60 million.
Latest update: Manchester United close in on Carlos Baleba
United are close to reaching a complete agreement with Brighton for Baleba, though the finer points of the payment structure still need to be settled. A five-year contract has already been prepared for the midfielder, and he is preparing to travel to Manchester for a medical.
Nothing has been signed yet. Supporters should treat the deal as advanced rather than done, with the club and Brighton still working through the last commercial details before any announcement.
United advance talks for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba
According to Sky Sports reports, negotiations between the two clubs advanced significantly on Wednesday. Those reports have not yet been confirmed by either club, but they point to real momentum after weeks of background talks over Baleba’s valuation.
The fee being discussed is expected to exceed £60 million, reflecting Brighton’s reluctance to let a key player leave cheaply. United have accepted that a premium price is the cost of securing one of the Premier League’s most sought-after young midfielders, though the exact structure of the payment is still to be finalised.
Baleba has been a standout performer at the Amex Stadium, and his combination of physicality and composure on the ball has attracted interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs. United see him as a long-term fit in the middle of the park.
Five-year contract prepared as medical plans emerge
United have already prepared a five-year contract for Baleba, underlining how confident the club are that this transfer will go through. Personal terms are understood to be far less of an obstacle than the fee negotiations with Brighton.
Baleba is preparing to travel to Manchester ahead of a potential medical, the next practical step once the clubs settle on final terms. No medical has taken place yet, and United will not confirm the deal until that process is complete.
The move would follow a busy summer in midfield for Michael Carrick. United have already strengthened that area of the squad by signing Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, giving Carrick fresh options before a ball has even been kicked in the new campaign. Baleba would add further competition and depth to a rebuilt engine room.
Is Carlos Baleba joining Manchester United?
Not yet, but United are close. The club and Brighton are working through a deal worth more than £60 million, a five-year contract is ready, and Baleba is preparing to travel for a medical, though nothing has been formally completed.
Until United confirm terms and Baleba passes a medical, the transfer remains a very advanced negotiation rather than a finished deal. Supporters can read our original report on Carlos Baleba for the background to how these talks developed.
What happens next in Manchester United’s transfer window
The immediate priority is finishing off the payment structure with Brighton before Baleba’s medical can be scheduled. Once that is agreed, United would expect to move quickly given the contract is already prepared.
Separately, according to ReadManUtd reporting, United have held discussions with representatives for left-back Jorge Salinas. Those talks are independent of the Baleba deal and are being treated as a separate line of transfer business rather than a package arrangement.
Both situations remain unconfirmed by the club, but they suggest United are still active in the market beyond midfield. For now, all eyes remain on whether Baleba’s move to Old Trafford can be tied up in the coming days.
