Manchester in Brighton's Carlos Paleba deal
Manchester United have launched a new bid to sign Cameroon international Carlos Paleba. Expectations for a deal to go ahead remain high, with Brighton holding the initial £60m offer high.
Manchester in Brighton's Carlos Paleba deal
According to Sports.
Background
Carlos Paleba played 35 matches last season and received 7 yellow cards. He plays a key role in Brighton's midfield and is highly rated among Premier League clubs. United, with him in the squad, have the potential to play with more strength in the middle.
Why this matters
Carlos Balepa could be a key addition for Manchester United as a midfielder from Brighton. The transfer between the Premier League clubs will create opportunities to further strengthen United's midfield. This is made possible by a change in Brighton's valuation, following United's previous efforts.
Key Points
- Manchester in Brighton's Carlos Paleba deal.
- Manchester United have launched a new bid to sign Cameroon international Carlos Paleba.
- Man Utd close on deal for Brighton's Baleba - Yahoo Sports.
Manchester United are close to completing a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Paleba, according to reports. United tried to sign Baleba near the deadline of last summer's transfer window. But with Brighton's valuation at the time in excess of £100m, the Old Trafford management backed out. The two sides are still in talks, with prices dropping significantly this summer and United's initial £60m offer falling short of Brighton's expectations.
United have turned their attention back to Baleba after their pursuit of Mateusz Fernandez failed this summer. Meanwhile, United have already completed two deals to bolster their midfield: Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48m and Youri Delemans from Aston Villa for £35m in July. Up front Mason Mount, who picked up a foot injury against Paris Sangermann in Gothenburg on August 8, has struggled to fully recover from the injury despite playing well alongside Santos in the first three pre-season matches.
Paleba himself is currently out with an injury for another two to three weeks. The heel injury reportedly occurred during preseason camp in Austria. Meanwhile, Fabian Hurzler's Brighton side leave for Norway on Wednesday to face Tromsø in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off on Thursday.
Baleba made a total of 35 appearances for Brighton last season. The defensive central midfielder received seven yellow cards. From United's point of view, they have a clear picture of Baleba's abilities having already been monitoring him for 12 months. Despite the arrivals of Santos and Dielemans, their midfield is still looking for someone who can provide 'box-to-box' pace, ball recovery and overlap runs; Paleba is considered to be the perfect match for that. The player is also said to be reluctant to make this change. So whatever the price has been since last summer, the current position is that it will be well short of £100m.
But part of the reason for the price drop is the apparently poor performance of Paleba. While the 2024–25 Premier League season saw 31 starts and 3 substitute appearances, in 2025–26 that dropped to 23 starts and 8 substitute appearances. During this period, Paleba's influence on coach Hürzler's plans diminished somewhat as Brighton secured European football for the second time in the club's history. While there was talk in some quarters that United's interest had unnerved the player, the Brighton side explained last season that this was not accurate.
With the transfer deadline looming, Old Trafford management have taken the initiative again. Both sides appear to be moving towards a compromise, although disagreements over the initial contract amount remain. If the deal goes through, United's midfield will get a new shake-up in terms of depth and contrast; Otherwise, they face the start of the new season with their current options.
What happens next
Manchester United are in talks with Brighton to sign Paleba. Meanwhile, with United's other midfielders, Mason Mount and Andrei Santos, struggling with injuries, Paleba's arrival is essential. The transfer is expected to be completed soon as Brighton focus on the UEFA Conference League competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Manchester United's progress on the Carlos Paleba deal?
Manchester United have proposed an initial £60m deal for Carlos Paleba, but fall short of Brighton's expectations.
Who confirmed this information?
This information has been confirmed, but no specific person or source has been identified.
Why is this deal going on now?
Manchester United tried to sign Balepa for £100m in the last summer transfer window, but are now renegotiating with a lower price.
What changes have Manchester United made now?
United have added Andrei Santos and Youri Delemans as midfielders.
When can Paleba play again now?
Paleba will be out for another two to three weeks with the injury.
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