News tagged #ManchesterUnited (1)
25 Aug 2026
Manchester United have officially completed the signing of 22-year-old Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth up to £70m. The Red Devils will pay an initial £65m with a further £5m in add-ons, tying the combative midfielder down to a five-year contract with an option for an additional year. The massive acquisition pushes United’s summer spending to £153m as Michael Carrick’s side prepares for a return to the Champions League. Baleba’s arrival follows the recent midfield additions of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, highlighting a clear mandate to overhaul the engine room—a need further exposed during United's shock 2-0 defeat to Hull City in their Premier League opener. Speaking on the move, Baleba called it "an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams," while also expressing his excitement to develop under Carrick's tutelage. Club captain Bruno Fernandes welcomed the addition, praising the unique physical qualities the Cameroonian brings to Old Trafford. Baleba, who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023, is celebrated for his immense physicality, elite ball-winning capabilities, and progressive carrying. During a standout 2024-25 campaign for the Seagulls, he ranked fourth among Premier League midfielders for possessions won in the middle third and fifth for total ball recoveries. Though currently sidelined with a pre-season ankle injury, Baleba is expected to provide the crucial defensive security and athletic drive that United have been missing. Whether anchoring the midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo or freeing up Tielemans to dictate play, Baleba represents a major statement of intent for the Red Devils this season.
