Manchester United complete £70m signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton

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

United will pay an initial £65 million, with a further £5 million available in add-ons, while Brighton have also negotiated a sell-on clause. 

The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with the option of a further year.

Baleba becomes United’s latest midfield addition after the club brought in Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa earlier in the summer. 

The move follows United’s disappointing 2-0 defeat by Hull City in their Premier League opener, where Santos and Tielemans made their competitive debuts. 

United had previously explored a move for Baleba near the end of last year’s transfer window but were discouraged by Brighton’s valuation, which exceeded £100 million at the time.

The Cameroon international said joining United represents the fulfillment of a major ambition. 

“It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams,” Baleba said, adding that playing at Old Trafford as a United player would be a great honor. 

He also expressed his excitement at working under manager Michael Carrick, describing the former England midfielder’s experience and knowledge as valuable to his development.

United believe Baleba’s physical presence and defensive qualities can address a weakness in their midfield. 

The midfielder is known for his ability to win possession, cover ground quickly, compete in the air and carry the ball through midfield. 

During the 2024-25 Premier League season, he ranked highly among midfielders for possessions won, interceptions, recoveries and duels won, while also recording a top speed of 34.5km/h.

However, Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury sustained during Brighton’s pre-season training camp in Austria. 

He made 112 appearances for the Seagulls after joining from Lille in 2023, including 31 Premier League appearances last season, when Brighton finished eighth and secured qualification for the Conference League. 

United will therefore have to wait for their new signing to regain full fitness before he can make his competitive debut.