Manchester United complete Carlos Baleba signing for £70m

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

The transfer consists of a £65m guaranteed fee plus £5m in add-ons, with the 22-year-old signing a five-year contract with an option for a further year.

Baleba’s arrival ends a transfer pursuit that has stretched for almost a year.

Manchester United first identified the midfielder as a potential target last autumn and, according to Sky Sports News, made an enquiry about signing him during the January transfer window.

Brighton’s valuation previously proved too high, but United revived their interest this summer and eventually secured their man.

The Cameroon international becomes United’s third midfield signing of the summer, following Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.

His arrival is expected to add energy, physicality and defensive strength to Michael Carrick’s midfield.

Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle injury suffered during pre-season, with a possible return around mid-September.

That could put him in contention for United’s Manchester derby against Manchester City on September 13.

The midfielder arrives at Old Trafford after three seasons in England with Brighton, where he developed into one of the Premier League’s most promising young midfielders.

He made 112 appearances for the Seagulls before completing his move to United.

Baleba began his senior European career with French club Lille after developing in Cameroon at the École de Football Brasseries du Cameroun.

He joined Lille in 2022, played for the club’s B side before breaking into the first team, and made 21 senior appearances during the 2022/23 season.

Brighton signed him in August 2023.

At Brighton, Baleba quickly adapted to the demands of Premier League football.

He made 37 appearances in his first season and enjoyed an especially impressive 2024/25 campaign, when he was named Brighton’s Young Player of the Season.

He made his senior Cameroon debut in June 2024 in a 4-1 victory over Cape Verde and has since become an important part of the Indomitable Lions midfield.

Despite his rapid rise, Baleba has not yet won a major team trophy at senior club or international level.

His notable individual honour is Brighton & Hove Albion Young Player of the Season for 2024/25.

United are now betting on his considerable potential.

His ability to win possession, cover ground, carry the ball through midfield and provide physical presence could address one of the team’s major weaknesses.