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

The Cameroon international has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with the agreement also including an option for a further year. United will pay £65m initially, with a further £5m available in add-ons.

Baleba, 22, becomes the third midfielder to join Manchester United this summer following the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos as manager Michael Carrick continues to reshape his midfield.

United Interest in Baleba Start a While Ago

United had been monitoring Baleba for some time and initially explored a move for the midfielder during the January transfer window. Their interest continued into the summer before an agreement was finally reached with Brighton.

The midfielder joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and made 112 appearances for the club across three seasons. His performances in the Premier League established him as one of the division’s most promising young midfielders.

Baleba’s statistics underline his defensive and ball-carrying qualities. During the 2024/25 season, he ranked among the Premier League’s leading midfielders for tackles and interceptions, while also ranking highly for progressive carries.

His arrival is expected to add physicality, defensive protection and ball progression to United’s midfield, particularly following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s injury.

Baleba Not 100% Fit

However, Baleba will have to wait before making his Manchester United debut. He is currently recovering from an ankle injury suffered during pre-season, with a return around mid-September expected.

Baleba becomes another major investment in United’s midfield rebuild, with the club spending heavily to reshape the position ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

The Cameroon international has described Manchester United as his “dream club” and is now set to begin the next chapter of his career at Old Trafford.