- Manchester United have completed the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton in a deal worth up to £70m, made up of a £65m guaranteed fee plus £5m in add-ons.
- Baleba has signed a five-year contract with an option to extend by a year, becoming United's third midfielder signing this summer after Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
- Baleba is currently injured with an ankle issue but could return by mid-September.
- A year ago, Baleba had a breakout season at Brighton, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most coveted young midfielders, but Brighton's £100m-plus valuation blocked a transfer.
- United had hoped to get the Cameroon international last summer, but Brighton wanted about £115m, the amount they received when they sold Moisés Caicedo to Chelsea in 2023.
Manchester United has officially signed Carlos Baleba from Brighton in a deal valued at up to £70 million, which includes a £65 million guaranteed fee and £5 million in add-ons. Baleba, a 22-year-old midfielder, has signed a five-year contract with an option for an additional year.1234
The club's total expenditure on midfielders this summer now approaches £150 million, following the acquisitions of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. United had pursued Baleba for nearly a year, initially facing a hefty £115 million asking price from Brighton, which was based on the fee they received for Moisés Caicedo from Chelsea.89
Baleba expressed his excitement about joining the club, stating, "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." He is currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained during pre-season but is expected to return by mid-September.5
United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, praised Baleba's potential, saying, "Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further. He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad." Brighton's sporting director, Mike Cave, acknowledged Baleba's contributions during his time at the club, emphasizing that this move aligns with his career aspirations.
“Baleba, 22, is currently sidelined with an ankle injury but could return by mid-September, according to Sky Sports News. He becomes United's third midfielder this summer after Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, with the club's total midfield spend reaching about £148m.”
The Guardian
