Advertisement
Carlos Baleba could make Manchester United debut in Manchester derby
19th August, 2026 06:43 PM
Manchester United are reportedly edging closer to signing Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, with the Cameroon international potentially set to make his first appearance for the club in a high-profile Premier League fixture.
United were keen on Baleba during last summer’s transfer window but failed to reach an agreement with Brighton. At the time, the Seagulls valued the midfielder at more than £100 million (Ksh17.5 billion).
However, Baleba endured a less impressive 2025-26 season at the Amex, which appears to have contributed to a reduction in his asking price.
The 20-time English champions have continued to regard the 22-year-old as a priority target, and reports from The Athletic indicate that United are now close to reaching an agreement with Brighton.
Transfer specialist David Ornstein reports that United have offered £60 million (Ksh10.2 billion), with a further £5 million (Ksh876.4 million) available in potential add-ons. That figure remains below Brighton’s valuation, but negotiations between the clubs are continuing and there is growing confidence that a deal can eventually be completed.
Baleba reportedly agrees personal terms with United
Journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that Baleba has already given the green light to a move to Old Trafford, with personal terms reportedly agreed between the player and the club.
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and has since featured 112 times for the Premier League side. During that period, he has scored four goals and provided two assists.
The midfielder played 35 matches for Brighton last season, although his campaign was interrupted by his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations in December and January.
He is currently recovering from an ankle problem picked up during the early stages of pre-season.
Manchester derby could be Baleba’s first United appearance
According to BBC Sport, Baleba is expected to remain unavailable for approximately another two to three weeks. If his recovery progresses as anticipated, he could be ready to make his United debut on September 13, 2026.
United’s first two Premier League fixtures of the season come in August, with a trip to Hull City scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2026 before Ipswich Town visit Old Trafford on August 30.
Michael Carrick’s team will then travel to Everton on September 6, 2026, before facing Manchester City in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on September 13, 2026.
That fixture could provide Baleba with a spectacular opportunity to make his first appearance for the Red Devils. However, United may decide not to rush him back, particularly if his fitness is still being carefully managed.
In that scenario, the midfielder could instead be introduced for the Premier League meeting with Fulham at Craven Cottage on September 20.
United have already strengthened their midfield this summer by signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
The potential arrival of Baleba would give the club another major addition in the centre of the pitch as they continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new campaign.
