Manchester United have completed the signing of Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth up to £70 million.
The 22-year-old has joined on a five-year contract, with an option for an additional year. United will pay an initial £65m, with a further £5m in potential add-ons, while Brighton have secured a sell-on clause.
Baleba becomes the third midfield arrival of the summer for the Red Devils, following Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The move takes United’s overall summer spending to around £153m as they prepare for a return to the Champions League.
The energetic defensive midfielder, who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023, made 112 appearances for the Seagulls. United had pursued him last summer but walked away when Brighton’s valuation exceeded £100m. Interest was reignited this window despite a more mixed campaign for the player last season.
Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained in pre-season and is expected to be available by mid-September.
“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.”
United director of football Jason Wilcox described him as “an elite midfielder with immense potential” who will complement the squad with his unique qualities.
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The signing strengthens Michael Carrick’s midfield options as United look to compete on multiple fronts this season.
