Sully Talkz Exclusive: The Cameroon international prepares to sign a £70 million deal following Brighton's agreement, bolstering Michael Carrick’s midfield despite a minor injury setback during his pre-season campaign.
Roundtable understands that Carlos Baleba has completed his Manchester United medical while Michael Carrick's side were defeated 2-0 by newly-promoted Hull City.
The Cameroon international will complete his media duties and sign his contract tomorrow, with an announcement likely to follow soon after.
On Friday, Manchester United agreed to a £70 million transfer fee with Brighton, after their first offer was rejected last week.
Baleba picked up an injury during Brighton's pre-season campaign, but the club are not concerned that he will have any long-term issues.
In 2025, United appeared interested in Baleba, but the transfer did not progress beyond the early stages.
Baleba joins Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Karl Darlow and Tynan Thompson as Manchester United's signings this summer.
What will Carlos Baleba bring to Man Utd?
While 2025/26 was not Baleba's best season since moving to Brighton from Lille (where he played with Leny Yoro), he still demonstrated an ability which attracted Manchester United to sign him.
Baleba is known for his energetic profile – adding a new dynamic to Michael Carrick's first-team squad – both in and out of possession. On the ball, he can drive through midfield, passing opposition players by with pace. While without the football, he can cover ground much quicker than any of United's current options.
Against Hull City, Manchester United struggled to cope when they lost the ball, often finding themselves facing their own goal and sprinting back after periods of sustained possession. Youri Tielemans made his competitive debut against the newly-promoted side, but struggled to have a real effect on the game. Adding Baleba to the squad could change that.
However, Baleba would benefit all of United's current midfield options, allowing them to focus on their playmaking or attacking responsibilities, while he did the dirty work and covered every blade of grass.
Will Baleba cope with the Man Utd pressure?
The 22-year-old suffered a notable drop in form after being linked with Manchester United last summer, so some fans have questioned whether he will be able to handle the pressure at Old Trafford.
In truth, it is a question that cannot be answered until he makes his debut for Michael Carrick's side. As for when that will be, it is difficult to predict due to his current injury.
Manchester United return to action next weekend against Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, before facing Everton, Manchester City and Fulham before the international break.
