Manchester United are finalising a deal to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion, but an ankle ligament injury sustained in pre-season will delay his debut at Old Trafford until at least October, according to reports. The Cameroon international has agreed personal terms on a five-year contract, with United's latest offer valued at approximately £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons.
Baleba's injury timeline and expected return
Baleba returned for pre-season training in July but picked up an ankle ligament injury that ruled him out of a friendly match against Strasbourg. He subsequently missed Brighton's games against Roma and Bologna. The Daily Mail reports that Baleba is expected to return to fitness towards the end of September.
That timeline could delay any possible United debut until October, given the three-week international break beginning on Monday 21 September and ending on Tuesday 6 October. Should that timeline be accurate, Baleba would be set to miss United's opening five games of the new Premier League season against Hull City, Ipswich Town, Everton, Manchester City and Fulham. He would also miss United's first match back in the Champions League, which will take place on 8, 9, or 10 September, as well as the Carabao Cup third round tie against an opponent to be determined. Baleba could therefore be in line to make his debut at home to Tottenham on 10 October.
United's midfield rebuild and transfer details
Manchester United initially made a move for the Cameroon international last summer but shelved their interest due to Brighton's huge asking price, thought to be in excess of £100 million. Baleba has remained on the club's radar during their midfield rebuild this summer. Should the deal go through, he will become United's third midfield signing of the summer alongside Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. As a result of his form dipping last season, Brighton's asking price has dropped considerably.
Why Baleba's form dipped last season
Baleba enjoyed a superb 2024-25 campaign at the AMEX but, following United's interest in his services last summer, his form noticeably dipped last term, starting just 23 of their 38 league matches. Speaking last season, Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler admitted that United's failed move to sign Baleba had an impact on the midfielder's performances.
“For sure, when a young boy reads there is interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep, deep [down],” Hurzeler said. “That's also part of the development to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer, there comes a big club who wants to have him. But then to keep pushing, to be humble, stay here in Brighton, and try to make the next step with the team and that's something we have to keep on working with him and therefore I can't give you a clear answer if it's really affected him or not. But for sure, he's a young boy and we need to understand he's not a machine that if you click on then he always runs and off then he stops. We need to understand his feelings, his emotions, where he comes from, and that's our responsibility.”
Games Baleba could miss for Manchester United
Baleba could miss the following matches: Hull City (A) on 22 August, Ipswich Town (H) on 30 August, Everton (A) on 6 September, Champions League matchday one (date TBC), Manchester City (H) on 13 September, Carabao Cup third round tie (date TBC), and Fulham (A) on 20 September. His potential debut could come at home to Tottenham on 10 October.
