HERE WE GO! Fabrizio Romano Confirms Manchester United AGREE £80m + £15m for Carlos Baleba
Manchester United have finally wrapped up one of the most gripping transfer sagas of the summer, agreeing a £95 million package with Brighton & Hove Albion for highly-rated midfielder Carlos Baleba. The deal, which consists of £80m upfront and a further £15m in add-ons, was confirmed by Fabrizio Romano and instantly set the football world alight.
Talks between the two clubs stretched on for weeks, with Brighton refusing to budge on their valuation. The Seagulls, famous for their hardline approach in negotiations, pushed back against United’s initial offers and showed little willingness to part ways with the 20-year-old. In the end, it was a combination of United’s persistence and Baleba’s determination to make the step up that broke the deadlock.
Baleba has been firmly on United’s radar for months, with scouts highlighting his energy, ball-winning ability, and composure as qualities that could transform their midfield. New boss Ruben Amorim was said to be particularly insistent on the deal, identifying the Brighton youngster as a key piece in the pressing system he wants to implement at Old Trafford.
Still, the fee has sparked plenty of debate. For some supporters, it’s a statement of ambition and a sign that United are serious about reshaping the squad around youthful, dynamic talent. Others are less convinced, pointing to the club’s history of big-money flops and warning that such a huge outlay could restrict reinforcements in other areas of the pitch.
For Brighton, the outcome is another masterclass in their recruitment model. Having brought in Baleba for a fraction of the agreed fee, they walk away with a staggering profit while further strengthening their reputation as a club that knows how to spot, develop, and sell talent at the right time.
Baleba is set to undergo his medical in the coming days before being unveiled as United’s newest signing. If everything goes smoothly, he will join Amorim’s squad immediately as preparations for the new campaign ramp up.
The transfer window has once again delivered the drama that surrounds Manchester United, but whether this £95m gamble turns into a masterstroke or another cautionary tale remains an open question.
