Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester United hold a verbal agreement with Carlos Baleba that remains valid heading into the summer, and that the Brighton midfielder is still very keen on a move to Old Trafford. The personal terms agreed between Baleba and United in 2025 — when Brighton twice blocked the deal — have not expired. United intend to return in June. The question, as it was last year, is whether Brighton will finally let him go, and at what price.
Baleba, 21, has developed into one of the most dynamic central midfielders in the Premier League during his time at the Amex Stadium. The Cameroonian combines physicality with genuine technical ability, and his reading of the game has matured considerably under Fabian Hürzeler. He is the kind of player United have been searching for — young, energetic, capable of operating at pace — and the fact that personal terms are already in place removes one significant obstacle from the equation.
Brighton's Hardball Stance
The club on the south coast have been brutally clear with United about their intentions. Reports suggesting Baleba could be available for £50 million have been dismissed firmly by Brighton's hierarchy. The reality is that any serious offer needs to exceed £70 million — some internal briefings suggest the number Brighton would genuinely consider is closer to £80 million. United have so far been unwilling to reach that figure, which is precisely why two windows have now passed without a deal being done.
Brighton have a well-earned reputation for extracting maximum value from their best assets. They did it with Moises Caicedo, Mac Allister, and Cucurella. The club do not need the money in any urgent sense, and they know that United's need for Baleba is greater than United's leverage in negotiations. That power dynamic has not shifted.
Three Factors Romano Cited
The Romano report identified three decisive factors that will shape whether the deal happens this summer. First, United need to appoint a permanent manager — Carrick's position as a long-term appointment remains unconfirmed. Second, United's summer budget is finite, and pursuing Baleba at Brighton's asking price while also targeting other positions could stretch resources. Third, Brighton's own plans for next season will determine how flexible they are willing to be.
The Summer Window Verdict
United want Baleba. Baleba wants United. The agreement between player and club is real and has survived multiple failed attempts. What stands between this deal and completion is a stubborn gap in valuation and a seller who has never shown any inclination to blink first. Whether United are finally willing to match Brighton's number — or whether a third window passes without resolution — is the central question of their summer planning. At 21, Baleba will not stay available forever.
Transfer context: Carlos Baleba, 21 | Current club: Brighton and Hove Albion | Nationality: Cameroonian | Brighton asking price: £70m+ | Man United verbal agreement: confirmed (valid since 2025) | Player stance: keen on move.
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