Baleba is United's third midfield signing this summer
Baleba is United's third midfield signing this summer
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Good things come to those who wait, and Manchester United are finally about to get their man. The Reds first contacted Brighton about the possibility of signing Carlos Baleba last year, only for an asking price of over £100million to cool their interest.
Despite being open to a big-money midfield addition last summer, United decided to wait until this summer to address that area of the squad. With Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans already through the door, Baleba's signing will complete the midfield rebuild. £70million isn't exactly a small outlay, but it's far less than the Reds would have been forced to shell out had they completed the deal last year.
In Monday's edition of the Manchester is Red podcast, the Manchester Evening News' United reporter Steven Railston gave his verdict on the deal United have struck for Baleba.
"Brighton, in the space of 12 months, have gone from wanting £115million potentially for Carlos Baleba to being happy to sell him in a £70million deal," he said. So United have saved £45million potentially there in the space of 12 months for a player who they have always liked. And that's why they've reignited their interest here, they've crunched the numbers, they see a player that they like and they're willing to overlook a disappointing 2025/26 season.
"When you think about the profile of the player they needed for a third midfield signing, they've got Santos there, they've got Tielemans, but they needed a bit more mobility. They needed a player who could offer a little bit more to the back four, a bit more protection. And that is Carlos Baleba.
"He will get through the bulk of the defensive work, he'll make interceptions, he'll put himself about, and he'll really add some energy in the midfield in that sense. So, when all those things are considered, I think it's a good signing and putting my personal doubts to one side when you actually consider the facts, it is a good signing."
Baleba struggled at times in 2025/26, with manager Fabian Hurzeler admitting the transfer interest from United had unsettled the midfielder.
Railston went on to discuss how a number of United figures were sticking their neck on the line with the Baleba move before analysing why United have been so keen to bring Baleba to Old Trafford.
"It's kind of the acid test of Jason Wilcox, Christopher Vivell and Michael Sansoni because obviously those three staff members are the protagonists in the boardroom here with transfers. Jason Wilcox is obviously hugely influential and Vivell as well. But it's a really interesting signing because the club have got an opinion on Baleba and they've stuck by it.
"Now, fans and myself and others might not have seen it last season, but United are confident about him and they believe he can add quality to this midfield. And hopefully this injury, I think it's around mid-September he's going to be out until, an ankle ligament injury, hopefully it's nothing serious, hopefully he is available as quickly as possible because United need him. Looking at that midfield on Saturday [vs Hull], they need someone who can play in that role, and it's going to be really exciting to see how he gets on."
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