Manchester United have completed one of the largest transfers of the summer by signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton. The Cameroon international has agreed a five year contract, with United holding an option to extend it for another 12 months. The 22 year old will wear the number 20 shirt at Old Trafford.

A £70 million commitment

The arrival was confirmed by Manchester United in the club’s official announcement. Baleba becomes the third midfielder signed by United during the summer window after Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. His arrival completes another major stage of Michael Carrick’s attempt to rebuild the centre of the team.

According to The Guardian’s report on the completed transfer, United will pay Brighton £65 million up front. A further £5 million can be triggered through add-ons, while Brighton have also secured a percentage of any future sale. The distinction means the guaranteed fee is £65 million rather than a fixed £70 million.

The transfer takes United’s total spending on midfielders this summer to approximately £148 million. Santos arrived from Chelsea and Tielemans joined from Aston Villa during a window in which Casemiro left the club. Manuel Ugarte’s serious knee injury also increased the need for additional depth.

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Why United refused to give up

United first attempted to sign Baleba during the previous summer but ended their pursuit when Brighton made clear that he would not be sold. His performances were less consistent last season, yet United continued to believe that his physical and technical qualities suited their plans. The lower asking price eventually created an opportunity to return.

Baleba can recover possession, carry the ball through pressure and cover large areas of midfield. He joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and developed into a senior Cameroon international while gaining extensive Premier League experience. United believe those qualities can make him a central figure for several seasons.

Baleba described the transfer as a personal ambition fulfilled. He said: “It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams.” He also identified the opportunity to work with Carrick as an important part of his decision.

The debut must wait

The injury timeline was described by Ellis Statham in an update for bet365. Baleba is recovering from an ankle ligament injury suffered during Brighton’s preseason victory over Strasbourg. Reports suggest he could return around the middle of September, but United have not guaranteed a specific debut date.

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The injury was known before the transfer and did not prevent United from completing their medical assessment. Baleba is being signed for the long term, so there is little reason to accelerate his recovery unnecessarily. United have secured their expensive new midfielder, but supporters must wait before seeing him on the pitch.

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