Danny Murphy: Carlos Baleba Would Be a “Hell of a Signing” for Manchester United
Manchester United are edging closer to completing a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, and former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes the Cameroon international could prove to be an outstanding addition to the Red Devils’ midfield.
United have reportedly submitted a package worth around £65 million, consisting of £60m up front plus a potential £5m in add-ons. Negotiations with Brighton are advanced, while Baleba has reportedly agreed personal terms with United. Sky Sports reports that the midfielder is preparing to travel to Manchester for a medical.
🎙️ Murphy backs Baleba
Speaking on talkSPORT, Murphy highlighted the qualities that make Baleba such an attractive target for United.
“When you see him at his best, he’s got a lot of attributes that you like as a midfielder.”
Murphy specifically pointed to Baleba’s strength, pace, technical ability and passing, while also stressing that the 22-year-old still has considerable room for development.
His verdict was emphatic:
“I think it’s a HELL of a good signing. I like it.”
A difficult season before the potential move
Baleba’s 2025/26 campaign was not as consistent as his previous season. He was substituted at half-time in three of Brighton’s opening seven Premier League matches, while manager Fabian Hürzeler was repeatedly managing his minutes. Reports also suggested that Manchester United’s previous interest may have affected the youngster psychologically.
However, Baleba regained form towards the end of the campaign, reminding observers why he had become one of Europe’s most sought-after young midfielders.
Why Manchester United want him
Baleba would address one of United’s biggest squad needs: a powerful defensive midfielder capable of covering ground, winning possession and progressing the ball.
The move would also continue United’s midfield rebuild. The club have already signed Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos this summer, while Baleba would provide another young, athletic option in the centre of the pitch.
At just 22, the Cameroon international also fits United’s apparent strategy of investing in players who can develop and become important figures over several seasons.
The final hurdle
Despite the optimism surrounding the transfer, the deal is not yet officially complete. Brighton had previously placed a valuation of around £100m on Baleba, but his inconsistent campaign and current ankle injury have contributed to a lower asking price.
For now, however, the negotiations appear to be moving in United’s favour.
If the deal is completed, Manchester United could be getting exactly the type of midfielder Murphy believes can make a major impact: young, powerful, athletic, technically capable and with significant room for improvement.
And with United reportedly closing in, the question is no longer whether they want Carlos Baleba but whether he can live up to the enormous expectations that will accompany a £60m-plus move to Old Trafford.
