AFCON 2025
Manchester United have officially completed the signing of Cameroon international Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth an initial £65 million, rising to £70 million with add-ons.
The 22-year-old midfielder put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with the club confirming the transfer through their official channels. Brighton have also secured a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Baleba becomes United’s third midfield arrival of the summer window, following the earlier captures of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea. The move marks the culmination of a long-standing interest from the Red Devils, who had previously explored a deal for the player last year when Brighton’s valuation exceeded £100 million.
The Cameroonian joins Michael Carrick’s side as part of a clear rebuild in the engine room. Known for his physicality, ball-winning ability and progressive carrying, Baleba made over 110 appearances for Brighton after arriving from Lille in 2023. He featured regularly in the Premier League and represented Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury sustained during pre-season and is not expected to be available until mid-September. Once fit, he is set to compete for a starting role in Carrick’s midfield.
United, who opened their Premier League campaign with a defeat at newly promoted Hull City, have now spent heavily to strengthen the centre of the pitch as they look to improve on last season’s form and compete on multiple fronts, including a return to the Champions League.
The official announcement brings an end to days of speculation that began when the clubs reached a verbal agreement on Friday. Medical checks were completed over the weekend, documents were exchanged by Sunday, and the deal was rubber-stamped on Tuesday.
Baleba becomes the latest African talent to arrive at Old Trafford and will wear the famous red shirt once he regains full fitness.
