The 22-year-old becomes United’s latest major summer signing as the club continues to reshape its midfield ahead of a return to the Champions League.

Manchester, England (Running Africa) — Manchester United have completed the signing of Cameroon international Carlos Baleba from Brighton in a deal worth up to £70 million, adding one of Africa’s most highly rated Premier League midfielders to their squad.

United will pay an initial £65 million, with a further £5 million potentially due in performance-related add-ons. Baleba has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with the club holding an option to extend the agreement for another season.

The move ends a lengthy pursuit of the 22-year-old midfielder, who had previously been valued at more than £100 million by Brighton.

Baleba arrives as United continues reshaping its midfield ahead of its return to the UEFA Champions League.

Manchester United Complete £70m Carlos Baleba Transfer

United have committed £65 million upfront to secure Baleba, with the final transfer value potentially reaching £70 million if agreed performance targets are met.

The Cameroon midfielder becomes one of the club’s major additions of the summer transfer window.

United had previously explored a deal for Baleba but were unwilling to meet Brighton’s reported valuation of more than £100 million.

The eventual agreement represents a significant reduction from those earlier figures while still making Baleba one of the biggest African transfers of the window.

Carlos Baleba Leaves Brighton After Three Seasons

Baleba joined Brighton from French club Lille in 2023 and quickly developed into an important part of the Premier League side’s midfield.

He made 112 appearances for the Seagulls across competitions, establishing himself through his athleticism, ball-carrying ability and defensive presence.

Baleba featured in 31 Premier League matches last season as Brighton finished eighth, further strengthening his reputation as one of the league’s emerging midfield talents.

His performances eventually attracted United, who identified the Cameroon international as part of their plans to rebuild the midfield at Old Trafford.

Manchester United Summer Spending Reaches £153m

Baleba’s arrival takes Manchester United’s summer transfer spending to approximately £153 million.

The club had already strengthened its squad with the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, with Baleba adding another major midfield option.

The investment reflects United’s efforts to build greater depth as they prepare to compete domestically and in Europe.

Champions League football will place additional demands on the squad, making midfield depth a significant priority during the transfer window.

Baleba Recovering From Ankle Injury

United supporters may have to wait before seeing their new signing in competitive action.

Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained during Brighton’s pre-season training camp in Austria and has yet to make his Manchester United debut.

His recovery will be closely monitored as United determines when he can be fully integrated into the first team.

The club will be hoping the midfielder can return without further complications as the season gathers momentum.

Baleba Reunites With Michael Carrick at Old Trafford

The transfer also sees Baleba link up with Manchester United manager Michael Carrick as the club prepares for its return to the Champions League.

A former elite midfielder himself, Carrick will now have another dynamic option available in a United midfield undergoing significant change.

Baleba’s ability to recover possession, progress the ball, and operate across central midfield gives United greater tactical flexibility as they balance Premier League and European commitments.

Carlos Baleba Takes Next Step in Premier League Career

For Baleba, the move represents another major step in a career that has developed rapidly since his arrival in English football from Lille.

After establishing himself at Brighton, the Cameroon international now faces the expectations that come with playing for one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.

His £70 million transfer also provides another high-profile moment for Cameroonian football, with Baleba joining the growing number of African players occupying major roles at Europe’s leading clubs.

Once his ankle injury clears, attention will turn to how quickly Carlos Baleba can establish himself at Manchester United — and whether the Cameroon midfielder can become a central figure in the club’s latest attempt to compete for major honors at home and in the Champions League.