Manchester United have strengthened their midfield further with the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
The Red Devils reportedly paid £65m for the 22-year-old, with a further £5m in potential add-ons. Baleba has signed a five-year contract, bringing his three-year spell at Brighton to an end.
The Cameroon international joined Brighton from Lille in August 2023 and made 112 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
Since his Brighton debut, Baleba recorded more tackles than any other player at the club, with 100. He also ranked second for duels won (469) and interceptions (117), behind new Tottenham defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
“It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams,” Baleba told the club’s website.
“Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour.
“I cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick. His experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me to reach the highest level.
“The ambition of everyone at the club is extremely clear, the future is exciting, and I am determined to play my part in delivering the success that we are capable of together.”
Baleba is currently sidelined after suffering an ankle injury during pre-season, with reports indicating that he could return around the middle of September.
He becomes United’s fourth signing of the summer, following Andrey Santos from Chelsea, Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Karl Darlow, who arrived from Leeds United on a free transfer.
United had previously attempted to sign Baleba close to last year’s transfer deadline but were discouraged by Brighton’s reported valuation of more than £100m.
United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, described Baleba as an “elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further” and praised his qualities and Premier League experience.
Baleba’s arrival follows United’s disappointing start to the Premier League season, with Carrick’s side suffering a shock 2-0 defeat to Hull City, where Santos and Tielemans made their debuts.
United have now lost their opening league fixture in four of the last seven seasons, while the Hull defeat marked the first time in the club’s league history they had lost their opening-day fixture against a newly promoted team.
The Red Devils will look to bounce back on Sunday when they host another newly promoted side, Ipswich Town, at Old Trafford.
