Manchester United have finalised the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion, wrapping up an extensive summer overhaul of their midfield that has now cost the club close to £148m. The Cameroon international has put pen to paper on a five-year contract, with the option of an additional 12 months, following an agreement worth £65m plus £5m in potential add-ons and a sell-on clause included in the deal with Brighton.
The 22-year-old becomes the third midfielder to join Old Trafford this summer, following the arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48m and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35m. The recruitment drive comes at a time when United have seen Casemiro depart the club while Manuel Ugarte has been sidelined by a serious knee injury, leaving head coach Michael Carrick needing fresh options in the middle of the park.
United's interest in Baleba is not new. The club made an approach for the midfielder last summer after he impressed during the 2024-25 campaign, only to be rebuffed when Brighton signalled he was not for sale. Although his form dipped somewhat last season, United's admiration for his qualities never wavered, and they intensified their pursuit in recent weeks before finally getting the deal over the line.
Speaking after completing his move, Baleba made clear that working under Carrick, himself a former midfielder with vast experience at Old Trafford, played a key role in his decision to join. "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 continued: "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 hugely exciting, and I am determined to play my part in delivering the success that we are capable of together."
United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, was equally enthusiastic about the capture, describing Baleba as a player capable of adding significant depth and quality to Carrick's squad. "Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further. He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad," Wilcox said. "We are delighted to further strengthen our midfield with the addition of another established senior international with a proven track record of performing in the Premier League."
Wilcox added that Baleba's eagerness to join the club, combined with his belief in United's project, made him an ideal fit for the club's ambitions moving forward. "Carlos' determination to join Manchester United and his confidence that we will achieve our shared ambitions mean that he is the perfect signing as we continue to build a dynamic and entertaining team ready to compete across multiple competitions," he said.
Baleba was left out of Brighton's matchday squad for their recent heavy defeat to Aston Villa, a sign that his exit was already being finalised. He is now expected to be available for selection this weekend when United host Ipswich Town, potentially setting up an early opportunity for his debut in a red shirt. His squad number has yet to be confirmed by the club.
With the additions of Santos, Tielemans and now Baleba, Carrick has reshaped the engine room of his squad heading into the new campaign, signalling United's intent to rebuild a midfield capable of competing on multiple fronts this season.
Based on reporting from Independent Football, The Guardian, and Evening Standard.