Cameroon international joins Brighton in a deal worth up to £70m, becoming United’s third midfield signing of the summer
Manchester United have completed the signing of Cameroon international Carlos Baleba, 22, from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth up to £70 million, giving manager Michael Carrick another major piece for the club’s midfield rebuild ahead of the new Premier League season.
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The transfer, announced by Manchester United on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, makes Baleba the club’s third first-team midfield signing of the summer after Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
United said Baleba has signed a contract until June 2031, with an option to extend for another year. (Manchester United)
The Man Utd Sign Baleba deal consists of an initial £65m fee, with a further £5m available in add-ons, according to reports.
The move takes United’s summer spending on midfield reinforcements to about £148m, reflecting the scale of Carrick’s attempt to reshape the engine room. (The Guardian)
Manchester United had pursued Baleba previously but were deterred when Brighton placed a substantially higher valuation on the midfielder.
United revived their interest this summer after Baleba’s form dipped during the previous campaign, while an ankle injury sustained in pre-season also affected his immediate availability. (The Guardian)
Despite those concerns, United remained convinced of his long-term potential.
The club highlighted Baleba’s defensive work and ability to carry the ball forward as key reasons for the move.
During the 2024/25 Premier League season, he ranked sixth among midfielders for combined tackles and interceptions and fourth for progressive carries per 90 minutes. (Sky Sports)
Baleba’s arrival follows the departure of veteran midfielder Casemiro and comes after an injury to Manuel Ugarte, increasing the need for greater depth and physical presence in the centre of the pitch.
Tielemans and Santos have already joined United this summer as part of the wider midfield overhaul. (Reuters)
For Baleba, the move represents the biggest step yet in a rapid rise that began in Cameroon before taking him to France and then England.
Born in Douala, Baleba started his professional career with Lille in 2022 before moving to Brighton in 2023.
He went on to make more than 100 appearances for the English club across three seasons and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young midfielders. (Al Jazeera)
The Cameroon international has also earned 16 senior caps for his country and will now experience Champions League football with United following the club’s third-place finish in the previous Premier League campaign. (Al Jazeera)
Baleba described the move as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.
“It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams,” he said.
“Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour.”
He also expressed his excitement about working with Carrick, whose own career as a United midfielder gives him a strong understanding of the demands of the position.
“I cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick; his experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me to reach the highest level,” Baleba added.
United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, has also backed the midfielder’s ability to complement the club’s evolving squad, while the signing gives Carrick another dynamic option capable of contributing both defensively and in transition. (The Guardian)
Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle injury suffered during pre-season.
Sky Sports reported that he could return around mid-September, meaning United may have to wait before seeing their new £70m midfielder make his competitive debut. (Sky Sports)
The signing nevertheless represents a significant statement of intent as United attempt to build a more balanced midfield capable of competing domestically and in Europe.
With three new midfielders arriving in one window, Carrick has overseen a bold reshaping of an area that became a priority following last season’s departures and injury problems.
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For Baleba, the next challenge will be turning a dream move into a sustained impact at Old Trafford.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
