Carlos Baleba has completed his medical in Manchester as Manchester United move closer to securing the Cameroon midfielder from Brighton for a reported €82m.
The 21-year-old is expected to become the latest addition to Michael Carrick’s midfield after United reached an agreement with Brighton over the transfer.
Baleba’s successful medical means the deal has now moved into its final stages, with the midfielder expected to complete the remaining formalities before signing his contract with the Premier League club.
According to Roundtable, Baleba underwent the medical in Manchester despite having suffered a minor injury during his pre-season preparations. The issue has not prevented the transfer from progressing.
The Cameroon international still has media commitments to complete before putting pen to paper on his new contract. His signature is expected as soon as tomorrow, with United potentially able to announce the deal shortly afterwards.
Manchester United initially saw an offer for Baleba rejected by Brighton last week but returned with an improved proposal.
The revised agreement was approved by United on Friday, with the total value of the transfer reported to be €82m.
The fee represents a significant premium over Baleba’s estimated market value of €55m. Brighton, meanwhile, still have the midfielder under contract until June 2028, with an option to extend the agreement by another year.
United’s decision to increase their offer highlights their determination to bring Baleba to Old Trafford.
His arrival would also provide Carrick with another midfield option following a difficult beginning to the campaign.
Manchester United were beaten 2-0 by newly promoted Hull City, increasing the pressure on the club to strengthen the squad.
Baleba is now expected to provide additional quality and depth in the centre of the pitch once the transfer is officially completed.
The move would represent another major step in the midfielder’s career after he established himself at Brighton.
Baleba currently earns €756,162 a year, equivalent to 491,505,300 CFA francs, but his move to Manchester would put him at the centre of a major investment by United.
Brighton are preparing for their next league fixture against Chelsea, although uncertainty remains over whether Baleba will still be part of their squad by the time the match takes place.
The Seagulls have been listed at 3.40 to win that fixture, with the draw priced at 3.50 and Chelsea at 1.88 by 1xBet.
For now, Brighton must prepare for the possibility of losing one of their important midfielders, while United concentrate on completing the final steps of the transfer.
Baleba is expected to fulfil his remaining media obligations before signing his contract, after which Manchester United could formally announce his arrival.
If everything proceeds as expected, the Cameroon international will soon begin a new chapter at Old Trafford following United’s successful effort to increase their offer and reach an agreement with Brighton.
