Man Utd now set for club-to-club talks to sign £65m “monster”

Manchester United are set for club-to-club talks with Brighton on Thursday, as they look to get a deal for Carlos Baleba over the line.

With Atalanta midfielder Ederson’s proposed move to Old Trafford falling through after his medical, Man United have circled back to Baleba, a year on from failing to secure his signature, in a deal that would’ve been worth over £100m.

The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell has described the Cameroonian as having a “difficult” 2025-26 campaign, meaning his value has dropped significantly, although injury problems were partly to blame for his dip in form.

That said, the 22-year-old still managed to put in some impressive performances for Brighton in the Premier League, particularly from a defensive point of view, averaging 1.6 interceptions per 90, which was the highest number in Fabian Hurzeler’s squad.

The central midfielder also ranked in second place for defensive contributions per 90, averaging 11.3, and he got plenty more Premier League experience under his belt, making 31 appearances for the Seagulls.

With that in mind, the Brighton star could be ready to take the next step in his career by signing for a top club, and the Red Devils have struck an agreement on personal terms, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Fabrizio Romano shares Carlos Baleba to Man Utd update

Fabrizio Romano has now dropped another update on Baleba’s proposed move to Man United, revealing Michael Carrick‘s side are set to hold club-to-club talks with Brighton on Thursday.

Since Wednesday, the Red Devils have been “optimistic” they will be able to get a deal for the 16-cap Cameroon international over the line, and they are now pushing to secure his signature.

The Brighton maestro has been lauded as a “monster” by journalist Eduardo Hagn, and he is desperate to join United, with Romano stating he has been “pushing like crazy” for a move to Old Trafford since the summer of 2025.

However, ankle issues have hampered the former Lille man, who featured for just 1,662 minutes across the 2025-26 Premier League season, over 1,000 fewer than during the 2024-25 campaign.

Having also suffered a dip in form, Baleba could be a risky signing for Man United, but the fact his price tag has fallen is a bonus, and he could be a solid signing if he is able to get back to his best.