Manchester United Sign Carlos Baleba for £70m

Manchester United have finally landed Carlos Baleba, completing a deal with Brighton that could rise to £70m and underlines just how aggressively the club have moved to rebuild their midfield.

The 22-year-old Cameroon international becomes United’s third midfield signing of the summer, following Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, as the club reacts to Casemiro’s departure and a serious knee injury to Manuel Ugarte.

Baleba has signed a five-year contract with an option for a further 12 months after United agreed a £65m fee plus £5m in add-ons and a sell-on clause with Brighton. The move pushes United’s outlay on midfielders this window to around £148m – a clear statement that the centre of the pitch is being torn up and rebuilt.

Baleba's Reaction

For Baleba, this is the move he has been waiting for.

“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.

“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.

“The ambition of everyone at the club is extremely clear, the future is hugely exciting, and I am determined to play my part in delivering the success that we are capable of together.”

United first tried to prise Baleba from Brighton last summer but backed off once it became clear the south-coast club would not sell. His form dipped last season, yet United did not walk away. Instead, they moved decisively a week ago, sensing an opportunity to secure a player they still view as a long-term pillar of their midfield.

Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, made no attempt to play down the scale of their belief in the former Brighton man.

“Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further,” Wilcox said. “He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad.

“We are delighted to further strengthen our midfield with the addition of another established senior international with a proven track record of performing in the Premier League.”

United now have their trio: Santos, Tielemans and Baleba. The money has been spent, the reshuffle is real. The next judgment will not be on the size of the fees, but on whether this rebuilt engine room can drag the club back to where it insists it belongs.