Inframe News – Manchester United have officially completed the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion, adding another midfielder to Michael Carrick’s revamped squad. The 22-year-old Cameroon international has signed a contract running until 2031, with United also holding an option to extend it for another year.
United did not officially disclose the transfer fee, but sources cited by Reuters said the initial payment is around £60 million, with additional add-ons potentially taking the deal higher. The Guardian reported the overall package could reach £70 million, including £65 million upfront and £5 million in bonuses. That makes Baleba United’s biggest midfield signing of the summer so far.
Baleba joins United after three seasons at Brighton, where he developed into one of the Premier League’s more highly regarded young midfielders. He arrived at the Amex from Lille in 2023 and went on to make 112 appearances for the club. During his time in England, he also became a regular member of the Cameroon national team.
The move comes after United made midfield one of their biggest priorities during the summer transfer window. Youri Tielemans arrived from Aston Villa, while Brazilian international Andrey Santos also joined the club. With Baleba now on board, United’s midfield spending for the summer is reported to be around £148 million.
Carrick has been looking for more physicality and energy in the middle of the pitch, and Baleba fits that profile. The midfielder is known for his ability to cover ground, carry the ball forward and compete aggressively in midfield. United had been interested in him previously, but Brighton’s valuation had made a deal difficult at the time.
That valuation has changed significantly since last summer. Brighton had previously placed a much higher price on Baleba, with reports suggesting they were looking for a fee around £100 million or more. His uneven campaign last season helped make the transfer more realistic for United.
Baleba’s arrival also follows a major change in United’s midfield options. Casemiro left Old Trafford in May, while Manuel Ugarte has been dealing with a long-term injury. The club has therefore moved quickly to bring in younger players who can give Carrick more options in the center of the pitch.
There was some concern around Baleba’s fitness when the transfer was being negotiated. He suffered an ankle ligament injury during pre-season, but reports indicate that the problem is not expected to keep him out for a long period. United completed the deal despite that recent setback.
Baleba himself has made no secret of his excitement about the move. After completing the transfer, he spoke about joining what he described as his dream club and said he was looking forward to playing at Old Trafford. He will now begin working with Carrick and his new teammates as United continue their preparations for the Premier League campaign.
The timing of the signing is particularly interesting because United’s season got off to a rough start. They were beaten 2-0 by newly promoted Hull City in their opening Premier League match, putting immediate pressure on a squad that had undergone significant changes during the summer. Baleba’s arrival gives Carrick another option as he looks to reshape the team.
United’s midfield now looks very different from the group Carrick inherited. Tielemans, Santos and Baleba have all arrived during the window, while Casemiro has departed and Ugarte remains unavailable. The club had also been discussing further defensive reinforcements, including options at left-back.
Baleba is expected to add competition for places immediately once he is fully fit. His Premier League experience means he will not need to adapt to the pace and physical demands of English football from scratch. United will now have another young midfielder competing for minutes as the season moves into its early weeks.
