Is £70m Baleba ready for his Man Utd exam?

Baleba is indispensable, making his presence felt both in the dressing room and on the pitch. Sources report that his initial shyness and nervousness are being overcome; although he is not the most assured English speaker, his language skills have improved markedly since his £23.2m move from Lille to Brighton in 2023. He has formed a bond with teammate Amad Diallo; the simultaneous development of two young African players is coincidental, yet their shared heritage has fostered a natural connection that has strengthened over recent weeks. Amad Diallo posted a video on social media showing Baleba teasing him after Cameroon’s friendly victory over Ivory Coast on 3 October. Baleba also enjoys camaraderie with other United prospects; his joking with Patrick Dorgu after the final training session at the Amex Stadium illustrates the unexpected relationships he has built at Carrington, recalling his former Lille teammates Leny Yoro (France international) and Bryan Mbeumo. For United, the priority is that Baleba delivers the performances that illuminated his 2024‑25 season, which had prompted speculation about a possible move to Real Madrid, rather than the underwhelming displays noted earlier. Claims that Baleba’s head was turned by United’s keen interest in the summer of 2025 have been dismissed by Brighton sources, although no alternative explanation for the dip in his form has been provided. The groundwork laid by United’s information and recruitment teams at Carrington a year earlier proved worthwhile; after missing out on Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes and deeming other options unsuitable, United secured Baleba just before the opening‑day fixture at Hull, completing the transfer shortly thereafter. Although United had been linked with fees exceeding £100m for the midfielder in August 2025, the agreed £70m represents sound business. Nevertheless, Baleba has yet to make his mark on the transfer, and given the disappointing early performances of Mateus Fernandes at Tottenham, any assessment of what constitutes a good deal should await further evidence. Read the full story at BBC News →