This is an interesting move by Manchester United.
On one side, it makes perfect sense. They tried to sign Carlos Baleba 12 months ago, so are fully aware of his abilities.
He is the kind of box-to-box player United do not have in their midfield despite the arrivals of Santos and Tielemans.
However, the reason the fee has gone down is the underwhelming form he showed for Brighton last season.
Thirty-one starts and three substitute appearances in the Premier League in 2024-25 became 23 starts and eight substitute appearances in 2025-26, highlighting a dip in form and value to Fabian Hurzeler in a campaign when Brighton secured European football for only the second time in their history.
There was a belief Baleba's head had been turned by Manchester United's interest, but Brighton sources last season said they didn't think that was right.
With the transfer deadline approaching, Old Trafford chiefs have made their move.
Carrick must hope he gets the 2024-25 version.
It is not clear yet when Baleba will be fit to play as he sustained an ankle ligament injury during pre-season that made him a doubt for Brighton's early season games.
He is expected to be out for another two to three weeks, which will rule him out of United's Premier League opener against Hull on Saturday, but he could be involved for the league fixture against Everton on 6 September.
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