Manchester United have completed the signing of Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth up to £70 million, adding one of the Premier League’s most highly rated young midfielders to Michael Carrick’s squad.
United will pay Brighton a guaranteed £65 million, with another £5 million potentially due in add-ons. Brighton have also secured a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with United holding an option to extend the agreement by a further season.
Baleba sidelined by ankle injury
United will have to wait before handing their new signing his competitive debut because Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained during pre-season.
Sky Sports News reports that the midfielder could return by the middle of September, potentially putting him in contention around the time of the Manchester derby.
United host Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 13 in what could provide an early target for Baleba’s return, although his availability will depend on his recovery.
The injury was already known when United reached their agreement with Brighton. Reuters reported last week that Baleba had suffered ankle ligament damage during pre-season but that the problem was not expected to keep him out for an extended period.
United land long-term midfield target
Baleba’s arrival concludes United’s pursuit of a midfielder who had been strongly linked with Old Trafford during the transfer window.
Brighton initially signed him from Lille in August 2023, reportedly paying around £25 million for the then 19-year-old.
He went on to establish himself in Brighton’s midfield and made 112 appearances for the club before United moved to secure his services.
The Cameroon international featured in 31 Premier League matches last season and also represented his country at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Carrick strengthens United midfield
Baleba becomes United’s third midfield addition of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
The £70 million package represents another significant investment as Carrick reshapes his squad for a season in which United return to Champions League football.
While Baleba cannot make an immediate impact because of his injury, his five-year contract plus the additional one-year option underlines United’s long-term plans for the midfielder.
