Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Gatekeepers News reports that the club announced the arrival of the 22-year-old on Tuesday, making him the third midfielder United have signed during the ongoing transfer window.
Baleba joins Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos as part of a major reshaping of United’s midfield following Casemiro’s departure at the end of last season.
The Red Devils reportedly paid £70 million for the midfielder, comprising an initial £65 million fee and a potential £5 million in add-ons. Baleba has signed a five-year contract with an option for a further year.
“Baleba has already established himself as one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League,” Manchester United said in a statement.
“During the 2024/25 season, his combined number of tackles and interceptions was the sixth-highest among midfielders in the league, while he also ranked fourth-highest for progressive ball carries per 90 minutes.”
The club added that Baleba made 31 Premier League appearances last season and ranked among the top eight per cent of players for combined tackles and interceptions, as well as the top one per cent for second balls won.
His performances helped Brighton qualify for the UEFA Conference League.
Baleba joined Brighton from French club Lille in 2023 and made 112 appearances for the Seagulls, including 35 last season.
The Cameroon international is currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained during pre-season.
