OFFICIAL: United complete £70m Baleba deal, adding a fifth‑year midfield talent ahead of City clash as they eye a title push

Manchester United have completed the signing of Cameroon international Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth up to £70 million, comprising a £65 million guaranteed fee plus £5 million in add‑ons, and the 22‑year‑old has signed a five‑year contract with an optional sixth year.

Midfield reinforcement for United

United have been tracking Baleba since last autumn, with News reporting interest then and a formal enquiry during the January window. The midfielder remained one of United’s top summer targets and will be the club’s third midfield addition after Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. His arrival ends a transfer saga lasting almost 12 months.

United’s pursuit reflects a need to bolster creative options in midfield, especially after Baleba featured 35 times for Brighton last season and accumulated 112 appearances since joining from Lille in 2023. He missed a spell while representing Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, underscoring his international experience.

The club announced that Baleba is currently sidelined with an ankle injury sustained in pre‑season, but medical staff expect him to be available by mid‑September, ahead of United’s clash with Manchester City on 13 September.

Baleba's future at Old Trafford

In a statement on United’s website, Baleba described joining the “club of my dreams” as an “incredible feeling” and praised the opportunity to work with Michael Carrick, whom he called the perfect coach to help him reach the highest level.

He added that the ambition at the club is “extremely clear”, the future is “hugely exciting”, and he is determined to contribute to the success United are capable of delivering together.

The five‑year deal, which includes an option for a further year, secures Baleba’s services until at least 2029, giving United a long‑term asset while offering the Cameroonian international a platform to develop at Old Trafford.

For Brighton, the £65 million guaranteed fee plus potential add‑ons represent a substantial return on their investment in Baleba since 2023, and the transfer frees up squad space as they rebuild after his departure.