Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion to sign midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Romano reported that the two clubs had agreed in principle on the transfer after Manchester United returned with an improved offer on Friday local time. Brighton & Hove Albion had previously rejected a bid worth £65m from the Old Trafford club.
The latest development means Baleba is now close to completing a move to Manchester United. Romano described the deal using his familiar phrase, “Here we go!”, signalling that the transfer is nearing completion, although the report refers to a verbal agreement rather than a completed deal.
The Cameroon international is set to join the club he wanted to move to. His move would fulfil his ambition of becoming a Manchester United player, with the midfielder now expected to take the next step towards making that dream a reality.
Manchester United’s renewed offer follows Brighton & Hove Albion’s decision to turn down the original £65m proposal. The higher bid submitted on Friday has now led to an agreement between the clubs, according to Romano.
Baleba’s expected arrival would give Manchester United another midfield option, while Brighton & Hove Albion would lose a player who has attracted significant interest from the Premier League club. No further financial details about the improved offer were provided in the report.
The agreement remains described as verbal, meaning the transfer still needs to progress through the remaining stages before it can be regarded as fully completed. However, the latest update indicates that negotiations between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion have moved forward after the initial offer was rejected.
Baleba is therefore close to joining Manchester United and moving to the only club he wanted to represent. The transfer would mark the realisation of his stated ambition to become a Manchester United player.
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