Manchester United complete £70m signing of Carlos Baleba

Manchester United have completed the signing of Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton in a deal worth up to £70m.

United will pay an initial £65m, with a further £5m available in performance-related add-ons. Brighton have also negotiated a sell-on clause as part of the agreement. Baleba has signed a five-year contract with the option of an additional season.

“It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams,” Baleba said. “Playing at Old Trafford is always special, but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour.”

He also expressed his excitement at working with manager Michael Carrick, describing him as the ideal coach to help him reach the next level.

United strengthen midfield

Baleba becomes United’s third midfield signing of the summer, following Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.

The move was completed shortly after United’s disappointing 2-0 defeat by Hull City in their opening Premier League fixture, in which Santos and Tielemans made their competitive debuts.

United revived their interest in Baleba after initially considering a move near the end of last summer’s transfer window. Brighton’s valuation was then reported to be above £100m, but the clubs have now agreed a significantly lower guaranteed fee.

Baleba’s arrival takes United’s summer spending to approximately £153m as the club prepare to return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2023-24 season.

Captain Bruno Fernandes welcomed the signing but urged patience.

“He’s a huge talent that the club has been trying to follow for a long time,” Fernandes told BBC Radio 5 Live. “He has different qualities to what we already have, but we know he is a player we need to give time to become an even better version of himself.”

Brighton farewell

Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and made 112 appearances for the club, scoring four goals. He played 31 Premier League matches last season as Brighton finished eighth and qualified for the Conference League.

The midfielder paid tribute to Brighton supporters in a farewell video, recalling their backing during a difficult period.

“There was a night against Aston Villa when I came off after 22 minutes,” he said. “I sat in the dugout and could not lift my head up. You did not boo me. You had every reason to and you did not.”

Baleba added that he would continue following Brighton’s results throughout his life.

What Baleba brings

United hope Baleba can restore the form he showed during his impressive 2024-25 campaign, which first made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young midfielders.

His main strengths are defensive rather than creative. He wins possession, covers ground quickly, competes strongly in the air and can carry the ball forward after turnovers.

During that breakthrough season, Baleba ranked among the Premier League’s leading midfielders for possessions won in the middle third, interceptions, ball recoveries and duels won. He also averaged 6.7 progressive carries per 90 minutes and reached a top speed of 34.5km/h.

That profile should complement United’s other midfielders. Tielemans can offer more control and progressive passing, while Baleba provides ball-winning ability, physicality and defensive cover.

He spent most of last season as a defensive midfielder but also operated in a more advanced central role. That versatility could allow him to anchor United’s midfield or play with greater freedom alongside Santos, Kobbie Mainoo or Fernandes.

Injury delays debut

Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury suffered during Brighton’s pre-season preparations. He is expected to return around the middle of September, meaning his debut may not come until after the opening weeks of the campaign.

There will also be an adjustment period. United are seeking to control possession for longer under Carrick, while Baleba’s best performances have often come in more open matches where his speed and ball-carrying can be used in transition.

At 22, however, he has time to develop. If he can rediscover his best Brighton form, Baleba could provide the power and defensive authority that United’s midfield has been missing.