EPL

Manchester United close in on Carlos Baleba’s signing

Luke Oluoch 19th August, 2026 01:30 PM

The race ahead of the new Premier League season is intensifying, with clubs rushing against time to bolster their squads before the transfer window closes.

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Carlos Baleba, the left-footed midfielder who has previously been linked with a move to Old Trafford. United has submitted an initial offer of around Ksh10.51 billion, with an additional Ksh876.17 million included in add-ons.

The total package of Ksh11.39 billion still falls below Brighton’s valuation of the 22-year-old Cameroon international. However, optimism remains high that a deal can be struck as all parties continue negotiations.

The midfielder featured on United’s shortlist of targets last season alongside Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, though no formal approach was made at the time.

Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in the summer of 2023 and has since made 112 appearances for the south-coast side, including 35 outings last term despite missing a stretch of games due to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are inching closer to a deal for PSG youngster Ibrahim Mbaye. According to reports from Goal, the Merseyside club have agreed personal terms with the forward, leaving a transfer fee with Paris Saint-Germain as the final detail to resolve for the player viewed as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.

PSG star Ibrahim Mbaye. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/benjacobsjournalist

Elsewhere, former Chelsea player Christopher Nkunku could be set for a return to the English Premier League just one year after departing the Blues.

The 28-year-old AC Milan forward has been made available for transfer by the Rossoneri, with three clubs lining up for his signature, according to Foot Mercato.

Nkunku, who left Chelsea in a Ksh5.62 billion deal, recorded eight goals and three assists in 35 appearances for the Italian side. However, he does not appear to feature in the plans of new manager Rúben Amorim, who has already brought in compatriot Gonçalo Ramos as his preferred choice up front.