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Manchester United have completed their long-awaited move for Carlos Baleba, with transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirming that the Brighton midfielder is on his way to join the Red Devils.

Romano announced the transfer with his trademark “Here We Go” update, bringing Manchester United’s lengthy chase for the 22-year-old Cameroon international to a close.

He confirmed that Manchester United reached a verbal agreement with Brighton after submitting an improved bid for Baleba.

United had first seen a £65 million package turned down by the Seagulls before returning with a better offer worth £65 million plus £5 million in add-ons.

Romano said: “BREAKING: Carlos Baleba to Manchester United, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between clubs. Improved bid sent today after £65m package rejected and player set to join the only club he wanted. Baleba, new #MUFC player soon.”

The transfer ends a pursuit that had lasted for a year for the 22-year-old Cameroonian international.

Manchester United had originally made their move for Baleba during the 2025 summer window, and personal terms were agreed at that stage before Brighton’s valuation pushed the deal out of reach.

Having stayed in touch with the player’s representatives over the past 12 months, officials at Old Trafford were able to restart talks successfully and secure Baleba the dream move to the only club he wanted to join.

The midfielder has already been cleared to travel to Manchester for his medical and to sign a long-term contract.

Baleba’s arrival marks another significant step in Manchester United’s midfield rebuild under Michael Carrick.

The Cameroon international becomes the third major central midfield signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea.

With academy talent Kobbie Mainoo already well established in the first team, Carrick now has a strong and versatile midfield unit as he heads into his first full season in charge of the club.

While Tielemans brings technical distribution, Baleba offers the raw athleticism, control in transition and defensive steel that United had been missing.

His capacity to drive through pressing lines and cover huge areas of the pitch gives the Red Devils a more complete tactical profile as they prepare for a demanding domestic and European campaign.

With Baleba now due to complete his medical before putting pen to paper, Manchester United’s midfield appears considerably stronger.