Baleba Verbal Agreement Still Live as United Eye Summer Move

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has shed fresh light on Manchester United's pursuit of Brighton's Carlos Baleba, confirming that a verbal understanding struck last year is still very much on the table heading into the summer window.

The midfield target has been a persistent fixture on United's radar since August 2025, when the club first reached an agreement in principle with the player over personal terms. Baleba was receptive to the move then, but Brighton dug in their heels and refused to budge. The same impasse played out again in January, though United signalled they'd circle back to the prospect come June 2026.

"The verbal agreement between Baleba and Manchester United from 2025 remains valid for 2026," Romano confirmed on his YouTube channel. "The player is still very keen on a move to Manchester United."

United were priced out of a deal last summer despite their interest, having already committed significant resources to Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens. Without Champions League football, the purse strings were tighter than they'd have liked for a midfielder commanding over £100m.

Baleba's subsequent struggles on the pitch this campaign may yet work in United's favour. The Athletic reported this week that Brighton could now be persuaded to part with him for around £50m—a considerable drop from their previous valuation.

Romano stressed that while nothing concrete has been decided or pushed forward at this stage, Baleba remains firmly in consideration as a potential replacement for Casemiro. "There are still several factors to consider, including the appointment of a permanent manager, budget decisions, and Brighton's stance," he noted. Yet the player remains on the club's shortlist as they plot midfield reinforcements.

If United do move for Baleba, they could be managed by Michael Carrick by then. Romano revealed that the interim manager is in "very positive" standing at Old Trafford and holds "a serious chance" of landing the job permanently. The club are pleased with his recent work—his tactical approach, results, and particularly his rapport with both senior players and younger squad members have strengthened his candidacy considerably. Nothing has been finalised or officially confirmed, however, leaving the position still technically open.