Premier League giants Manchester United have agreed terms with Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba ahead of a proposed summer transfer.
The Red Devils have kicked into gear in the transfer window, sealing the signing of striker Benjamin Sesko after adding Mbeumo and Cunha earlier in the window. The club have not finished yet, with a new goalkeeper and midfielder high on the wish list this summer.
Links emerged in the last few days that Ruben Amorim was keen on adding Carlos Baleba to the squad. The club’s decision makers feel like now could be the best opportunity to sign him, with rivals likely to enter the race next year.
A deal, despite the player’s willingness to join could still be difficult with the huge financial demands of Brighton.
Manchester United Agree Deal with Carlos Baleba Ahead of Brighton and Hove Albion Approach
Brighton and Hove Albion are not planning on selling Beleba this summer. They believe his value will continue to rise over the season and they could earn more next summer. However, they are a club that respect their players and will be willing to enter negotiations for the right price. The huge fee paid by Chelsea for Moises Caicedo (approximately €116 million) will be used as a benchmark, meaning Man Utd will have to spend a huge amount of money to secure his talent.
However, the first step has been confirmed with the player willing to join Manchester United, with a wage package, contract length and structure agreed.
Now will come the more difficult task of agreeing a potentially club record deal with Brighton.
MUFC Record Transfers
| Player | Club Signed From | Season | Fee (euros) |
| Paul Pogba | Juventus | 16/17 | 105m |
| Antony | Ajax | 22/23 | 95m |
| Harry Maguire | Leicester City | 19/20 | 87m |
| Jadon Sancho | Borussia Dortmund | 21/22 | 85m |
| Romelu Lukaku | Everton | 17/18 | 84.7m |
According to transfermarkt.co.uk
Can Manchester United Return to the Top?
There has been a clear shift in strategy at MUFC. They were quite happy to take their time and plead poverty in the first couple of months. But as the window has gone on, and their rivals have spent big the urgency has increased. Manchester United are still keen on adding a goalkeeper and are likely to have to dip into their £300m credit facility they use in an emergency.
