Manchester United have completed the signing of midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton.
The Cameroon international, 22, joins the club in a deal worth up to £70m, made up of a £65m guaranteed fee plus £5m in add-ons.
He has signed a five-year contract which includes the option of a further year.
Baleba is currently injured, having picked up an ankle injury in pre-season, but Sky Sports News understands he could be back by mid-September. Manchester United play Manchester City on September 13, live on Sky Sports.
Baleba’s arrival at Old Trafford brings an end to a transfer saga that has lasted almost 12 months. Sky Sports News has been reporting on United’s interest in Baleba since last autumn and broke the news that they enquired about signing him during the January transfer window.
He remained one of United’s top targets this summer and becomes their third addition in midfield after Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
“It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams. Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour,” Baleba told the club’s website.
“I cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick; his experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me 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.”
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and made 112 appearances for the club. He featured 35 times last season and was absent for a spell while representing Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.
‘I had no idea what this club would become’ – Baleba pens Brighton farewell
Upon the announcement of the news, Baleba took to social media to post an emotional farewell to Brighton.
“I came here at 19 with little English and no idea what this club would become to me,” he wrote.
“Brighton only asked me to be myself. The staff who make the club run so well. The team-mates who took the time to understand me, on the pitch and off it. The nights at the Amex when I heard my name from that stand always made me feel at home.
“To all of the fans, staff and my team-mates. You looked after me and for that I will hold you all close to my heart. Wherever I play, this club is in how I play. Good luck Seagulls.”
Is Baleba a major gamble or a game-changer for Man Utd?
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Take a look as Sky Sports’ William Bitibiri explains exactly what Carlos Baleba might bring to Manchester United’s midfield
Analysis by Sky Sports’ William Bitibiri:
A year ago, Carlos Baleba appeared to have the world at his feet.
A breakout season at Brighton had established the then-21-year-old as one of the Premier League’s most coveted young midfielders, with a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs seemingly inevitable. Manchester United were among those interested, having identified Baleba as a potential transformative presence in midfield.
But Brighton’s reported £100m-plus valuation proved a stumbling block. The move never materialised and Baleba stayed at the Amex.
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Take a look at Carlos Baleba’s Premier League best bits
His form subsequently dipped dramatically. His numbers fell and, at times, he looked a shadow of the midfielder who had generated so much excitement the previous season.
That makes this a gamble for United. But, stylistically, there are few midfielders better suited to what they need.
Baleba was among the league’s leading defensive midfielders during the 2024/25 season – can he revive that form?
United require greater authority in the middle of the pitch and, crucially, someone capable of winning the ball back in deeper areas. Baleba brings exactly that. His athleticism, aggression and ability to carry the ball through midfield would add a level of dynamism and steel that is currently missing.
Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have been astute additions, but Baleba offers something different: specialist defensive power coupled with the athleticism to drive United up the pitch.
His age is another major factor. Baleba is still only 22 and, despite his inconsistent season, there remains a belief around him that he can develop into one of the world’s best midfielders.
That ambition is reflected in his influences. Baleba has spoken of his admiration for Paul Pogba, Yaya Toure and Andres Iniesta, while Neymar and Ronaldinho were among his favourite players to watch. There is a desire for self-expression in his game that goes beyond the physical qualities that made so highly rated.
There is risk attached to signing him. United would be betting on the player Baleba can become rather than simply the one he has been over the past 12 months.
But if United want to find a midfielder capable of growing into one of the best in his position, this is exactly the sort of gamble they should be willing to take.
