MANCHESTER UNITED COMPLETE CARLOS BALEBA SIGNING

Baleba becomes the third Premier League player to bolster the Red Devils’ midfield, signing a five-year-deal with the option to extend for a further 12 months.

Manchester United have completed the signing of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.

Manchester United have completed the signing of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in a deal worth up to £70million.

After securing a Champions League return with last season’s third-place finish, there has been a focus on bolstering Michael Carrick’s midfield heading into the new Premier League campaign.

United saw influential Casemiro depart and Manuel Ugarte sustain a serious knee injury during a summer in which Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arrived from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively.

Baleba becomes the third Premier League player to bolster the Red Devils’ midfield, signing a five-year-deal with the option to extend for a further 12 months after agreeing a £65m deal plus £5m in add-ons and a sell-on with Brighton.

“It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams. Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour,” the Cameroon international said.

“I cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick. His experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me to reach the highest level.

“The ambition of everyone at the club is extremely clear, the future is hugely exciting, and I am determined to play my part in delivering the success that we are capable of together.” 

United made a move to bring in Baleba last summer but cooled their pursuit when Brighton made it abundantly clear he was not leaving.

The 22-year-old was not at his best last season but that did not put off the Old Trafford outfit, with the club stepping up their interest a week ago.

United director of football Jason Wilcox said: “Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further. He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad.

“We are delighted to further strengthen our midfield with the addition of another established senior international with a proven track record of performing in the Premier League.

“Carlos’ determination to join Manchester United and his confidence that we will achieve our shared ambitions mean that he is the perfect signing as we continue to build a dynamic and entertaining team ready to compete across multiple competitions.” 

Brighton sporting director Mike Cave said: “Carlos has made a significant contribution during his time with us and we’ve seen him develop both as a player and person here.

“This is a move that Carlos was keen to make and we respect that he wants to take this opportunity at this stage of his career.” 

Baleba’s arrival has been welcomed positively by many connected to United, including the club’s all-time top goalscorer Wayne Rooney.

“I really like him (Baleba), I think he’s a really good signing,” the former England captain told the ‘Stick to United with Wayne Rooney’ podcast on Disney+.

“We need another midfield player with a bit of physicality and I know he’s not six-foot-four or whatever.

“But he covers the ground really well, he’s aggressive, he takes the ball, and is what we need. He’s a very good player who will improve the team massively.

“It will be interesting with Tielemans, Santos and (Kobbie) Mainoo but this is what it should be. Competition for places. If you don’t play well, you don’t play.”

MAN UTD AGREE £70 CARLOS BALEBA DEAL WITH BRIGHTON AS MIDFIELDER GOES FOR MEDICAL

AFP

Manchester United have taken a massive step toward completing their summer rebuild after reaching an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for Carlos Baleba. The highly-rated midfielder is now expected to travel for a medical as Michael Carrick looks to bolster his engine room following a series of high-profile departures and injuries.

Red Devils land primary midfield target

According to The Athletic, Manchester United have successfully negotiated a deal for Brighton star Baleba, with the total package for the Cameroon international set to reach £70 million. The two Premier League clubs reached a definitive breakthrough in talks after weeks of speculation surrounding the 22-year-old's future, with United paying a guaranteed fixed fee of £65m alongside £5m in add-ons. The midfielder is expected to travel tonight ahead of a scheduled medical on Saturday.

Manchester United continue to stay active in the summer transfer window as they prepare for their return to the Champions League. The Red Devils have already bolstered Carrick's squad with the acquisitions of Andrey Santos from Chelsea, Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, and goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Leeds United.

Getty Images Sport

Addressing a crisis in the engine room

The pursuit of Baleba comes at a pivotal moment for United, whose central midfield options have been thinned by summer departures and key injuries. With Casemiro departing on a free transfer and Manuel Ugarte sidelined by a ligament injury suffered at the World Cup, reinforcing the middle of the pitch became a top priority for the club's recruitment team.

Despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Baleba is working his way back to full fitness after a pre-season setback. The Cameroon international is currently sidelined with an ankle ligament injury sustained during the summer break, which kept him out of Brighton's goalless draw against Tromso in the first leg of their Conference League qualifier on Thursday.

Data-driven pursuit yields results

United's interest in the former Lille midfielder is far from a sudden development, with the club's recruitment team keeping close tabs on his progress for several seasons. Old Trafford scouts monitored Baleba extensively throughout the 2025-26 campaign, having already explored a potential deal for the Cameroonian last summer.

Baleba's ascent to the upper echelons of English football has been swift since arriving from Ligue 1. After joining Brighton from Lille in the summer of 2023, the midfielder made 112 appearances for the Seagulls, though he was limited to 23 Premier League starts last season.

Getty Images Sport 

Brighton's summer exodus continues

Baleba will become the latest high-profile departure from Brighton this summer, following the exits of Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham Hotspur, Danny Welbeck to Chelsea, and Diego Coppola to Paris FC.

Brighton kick off their new Premier League campaign by hosting Aston Villa on Sunday, while Manchester United travel to face newly-promoted Hull City tomorrow, Saturday.

- Khaled Mahmoud

MAN UNITED CAN COMPLETE FIVE TRANSFERS INCLUDING BALEBA THIS WEEK BEFORE HULL CITY CLASH

The Red Devils have plenty of work left on their transfer to-do list.

Michael Carrick is looking to complete his business for the summer (Image: Getty)

Manchester United’s summer transfer window was expected to be a little busier than it has so far turned out to be. It started out strong, with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans having both penned deals before the conclusion of the World Cup.

Karl Darlow aside, United haven’t made any other additions to their squad, with time running out before deadline day. United are still said to be pushing for new signings, while players are also being linked with moves away from the club. As such, Express Sport have picked out seven transfers United could complete before this weekend’s Premier League season opener...

Academy trio allowed to leave

It’s being reported that three players who have first-team experience with United could be allowed to leave. Chief among them being Toby Collyer, who spent the previous season out on loan at West Brom.

It’s reported that the Baggies are in talks with United about making the move permanent, while Harry Amass could also be on the chopping block. BBC Sport suggest a loan is more likely than a permanent sale at this stage, unlike the fate that awaits Ethan Wheatley.

The talented striker is attracting interest from Everton, as per Fabrizio Romano, who claims a proposal is being prepared. The 20-year-old is admired by the Merseyside outfit, who are keen to add reinforcements in attack.

Push for a left-back steps up

United have been tracking a left-back all summer, with Lewis Hall their first-choice pick. However, the chance of pulling this one off is slim, given Newcastle have made it clear they don’t intend on selling the English international.

As a result, United have been eyeing up potential alternatives, including Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly, who is said to have been offered to the Red Devils by intermediaries. Elsewhere, Jorge Salinas has emerged as a potential option, with the teenager having caught the eye at Racing Santander.

Man Utd want to recruit Carlos Baleba from Brighton (Image: Getty)

Carlos Baleba joins as final midfield addition

Midfield was the priority position before the start of the summer, and with Santos and Tielemans, United have made inroads. But there is still work to be done.

United still want to sign a third midfielder and Carlos Baleba is the man they want. Brighton are expected to reject their initial bid - £60m with £5m in add-ons - but an agreement is expected soon.

Joshua Zirkzee leaves and replacement joins

And finally, it hasn’t been the move to United that Joshua Zirkzee would’ve hoped for. The Dutchman hasn’t been able to establish himself in the starting XI under United’s last three managers and is now being linked with a return to Italy.

It has been suggested that if United were to lose Zirkzee, Carrick is keen to see him replaced. While there are only two weeks of the window left, it’s clear there is still plenty left on United’s to-do list.

- Amos Murphy

ASTON VILLA 1-0 BRIGHTON: LATE OWN GOAL THE DIFFERENCE AS MILNER MAKES PREMIER LEAGUE HISTORY

Aston Villa ended their mini-skid with a win on a day former player James Milner made Premier League history for Brighton & Hove Albion in a 1-0 affair at Villa Park on Wednesday.

Jack Hinshelwood scores an own goal to give Villa the lead late in the game

Milner came off the bench in the first half for Carlos Baleba, making his 653rd Premier League appearance to tie Gareth Barry for the most appearances in the history of England’s top division.

The veteran midfielder was solid against his former team, who got the last laugh when Tyrone Mings headed a corner kick off Tyler Hinshelwood and past Bart Verbruggen late in the contest.

Villa stay three points behind second-place Man City, six points back of leaders Arsenal.

Brighton continue to slump and remain 14th with 31 points.

Villa find a way on fumes against punchless visitors

This was anything but pretty for Unai Emery’s men, who may all be hoping for a rest come Saturday in the FA Cup. The Hinshelwood own goal was well-celebrated but also fitting as a decider because almost everyone Unai Emery plugged into this front three struggled to affect the game. Tammy Abraham was bright off the bench but this win was also an indictment on Brighton’s ice-cold front three. Fabian Hurzeler’s men have lost three-of-four and boast just a single Premier League win since the calendar hit December. For those scoring at home, the Seagulls are 1W-6D-6L in that run with the lone win coming against 19th-place Burnley. We’re pretty sure no one’s truly impressed with Wednesday’s result.

What’s next?

Villa host Newcastle United in the FA Cup at 12:45pm ET Saturday, then welcome Leeds to Villa Park a week later in the league.

Brighton are off to Liverpool for a 3pm Saturday date in the FA Cup, then visit Brentford the following Saturday.

Aston Villa vs Brighton final score: 1-0

Jack Hinshelwood o.g. 86'

Aston Villa vs Brighton live updates — by Nick Mendola

Jack Hinshelwood own goal — Aston Villa 1-0 Brighton

Abraham’s been good for Villa, who have a corner.

The ball is swung toward the near post and Mings, on his 200th Villa appearance, turns the ball off Hinshelwood and behind Verbruggen.

Villa Park needed that, and there’s an audible release in Birmingham.

Moves a-plenty

The quests for a goal continues, as Villa bring Ollie Watkins and Amadou Onana off in favor of Tammy Abraham and Alysson Edward.

Brighton remove Kaoru Mitoma, Welbeck, and Diego Gomez for Yankuba Minteh, Charalampos Kostoulas, and Harry Howell.

Under 10 minutes plus stoppage to go in Aston.

Subs

Villa aren’t happy with their tame attack. Leon Bailey and Ross Barkley enter for Jadon Sancho and Buendia.

Brighton remove Jan Paul van Hecke for Oliver Boscagli.

Zeroes on the board into the final half hour.

Halftime — Aston Villa 0-0 Brighton

Old heads unite for a half-chance as Milner cues up a Danny Welbeck chance that cannot get the better of Emiliano Martinez.

Shots are 10-2 to Villa. though that figure betrays the actual danger of the opportunities.

Buendia wins corner

The Argentine steps in from the right and has a 20-yard shot that spins off of Jack Hinshelwood and goes out for a corner.

Villa can’t do anything with the set piece.

History!

Carlos Baleba is on yellow and plays with fire, something that does not sit well with Fabian Hurzeler.

The Brighton manager brings James Milner into the game, and it’s his 653rd all-time appearance.

The veteran, a former Villa man, has now tied fellow ex-Villan midfielder Gareth Barry for the most all-time appearances in Premier League history.

Aston Villa lineup

Martinez, Bogarde, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen, Onana, Luiz, Sancho, Buendia, Rogers, Watkins

Brighton lineup

Verbruggen, Kadioglu, Dunk, Van Hecke, Veltman, Gomez, Baleba, Gross, Hinshelwood, Mitoma, Welbeck

Aston Villa vs Brighton preview — by Joe Prince-Wright

Aston Villa have gone two games without a win but they can still hang in the title race with a win against struggling Brighton on Wednesday.

Unai Emery’s side took the lead at Bournemouth on Saturday but drew 1-1 as injuries have hit Villa hard at precisely the moment they looked like challenging Arsenal and City for the title. Still, they look set for a top four finish if they can get back on track quickly and their new signings can settle in.

Brighton lost 1-0 at home to bitter rivals Crystal Palace on Sunday and some of the Seagulls faithful have turned on young manager Fabian Hurzeler. Brighton have won just once in their last 12 league games and with the players they have it’s clear they should have more points on the board.

Aston Villa team news, focus

Morgan Rogers is their main star with John McGinn, Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara all missing through injury. He scored a beauty at the weekend and keeps on delivering. Villa need new signings Abraham and Luiz (both re-signing for Villa) and returning loanee Leon Bailey to deliver big performances straight away as Emery will rotate the lineup.

Brighton team news, focus

Adam Webster, Solly March, Stefanos Tzimas, Yasin Ayari and Mats Wieffer are out injured, while center back Jan Paul van Hecke remains a doubt. Brighton have so many wonderful attacking players but Hurzeler can’t seem to find a way to get them all in the team at the same time and there’s a real lack of fluidity and confidence in attack.

- Nicholas  & Joe Prince-Wright

MAN UNITED CAUGHT IN TRANSFER SHAKE-UP AS SURPRISE LIVERPOOL 'SWAP DEAL' EMERGES

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, but could be left empty-handed by Chelsea and Liverpool

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been linked with a new midfield target(Image: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Manchester United's pursuit of Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton could be influenced by the transfer activities of their rivals.

Ruben Amorim's squad are considering midfield options after bringing in three forwards this summer. Striker Benjamin Sesko is set to lead a revamped United attack, supported by fellow newcomers Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

United have shown interest in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, but the Seagulls' hefty £100million asking price has reportedly led the club to consider Palace ace Wharton as an alternative. However, United's chances of landing Wharton could hinge on the futures of Palace's other star players, Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.

Manchester United have reportedly identified Adam Wharton as an alternative target(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

The Independent reports that United have earmarked Wharton as a potential substitute for Baleba due to the latter's price tag exceeding £100m. Yet, it's suggested that the Eagles might demand even more for Wharton if they decide to part ways with England pair Guehi and Eze.

Liverpool have set their sights on Guehi to strengthen Arne Slot's defensive line-up. The 25 year old is in the last year of his contract and Liverpool hope to secure the centre-back for £35m, while Palace are believed to be holding out for £40m, reports the Manchester Evening News.

However, Guehi's circumstances have potentially become more complex due to Palace's pursuit of midfielder Harvey Elliott, whom Liverpool rate at the same fee. The Sun reports that the prospect of a swap deal featuring Guehi and Elliott hasn't been dismissed, which could scupper United's ambitions of securing a deal for Wharton.

There had been optimism that Guehi might remain at Palace this season, which could have made the Eagles more receptive to entertaining bids for Wharton. Nevertheless, the club are reluctant to allow the defender to depart on a free transfer next summer.

Carlos Baleba has scored four goals in 77 games for Brighton across all competitions(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)

Their pursuit of Elliott presents Liverpool with an opportunity to arrange a swap deal after their initial bid for the centre-back was reportedly significantly below Palace's asking price.

After the club's Community Shield triumph last weekend, Palace chairman Steve Parish commented: "Players come and go in football clubs, you know, I mean, it's a life cycle isn't it? Hopefully they're still here. That's what I'd like but we'll see."

Meanwhile, Palace are reportedly weighing up a move for Elliott as a potential successor to Eze, who has caught the eye of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Palace's talisman carries a £68m release clause that is said to expire on Friday.

Should Palace part with just one of Eze or Guehi, the club might be more inclined to consider bids for Wharton. However, if both Guehi and Eze depart, they'll be even less willing to discuss terms for Wharton and will find themselves in a robust financial position should transfer fees be secured for the duo.

The deal could rest on any potential Eberechi Eze transfer(Image: Getty Images)

The 21 year old has garnered widespread praise since his move to Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024, although injury setbacks hampered his campaign last term, limiting him to just 20 league outings.

The defensive midfielder shares the same age as Baleba, who has likewise made his mark in the Premier League since his switch to Brighton from Lille two years ago. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler dismissed speculation that Baleba was set to depart the club after he sat out their friendly against Wolfsburg due to a minor knee problem.

"He trained today, he trained yesterday," Hurzeler explained. "So we don't want to take any risks, but he will be back."

United are eager to bolster their midfield ranks ahead of the new season. Amorim largely depended on Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo in the engine room during the previous campaign.

- Jake Bayliss & Alexander Snow