Manchester United sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton for £70m

Manchester United has completed the signing of Cameroon international midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion. The transfer is reported to be worth up to £70 million, consisting of a £65 million guaranteed fee and £5 million in potential add-ons. Baleba has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, which includes an option to extend for a sixth year.

The 22-year-old arrives as part of a significant midfield rebuild under manager Michael Carrick, following the summer acquisitions of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Baleba is expected to provide physical presence, defensive energy, and ball-carrying ability to the squad. He will wear the number 20 shirt.

Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury sustained during pre-season. His arrival follows a period of interest from other clubs, including Arsenal, who reportedly passed on the player earlier in the summer window. The signing aims to bolster United's depth following the departure of Casemiro and a serious knee injury to Manuel Ugarte.