Manchester United seal £70m Carlos Baleba deal as third midfield signing of the summer

Manchester United have completed the signing of midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton for an initial £65million, with a further £5million in add-ons, the club confirmed. The 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the option of a sixth year, becoming United’s third midfield arrival of the summer transfer window.

Baleba joins Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans in bolstering United’s engine room, completing a midfield overhaul that director of football Jason Wilcox described as a deliberate effort to build depth ahead of competition across multiple fronts.

“It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams,” Baleba said in a statement. “Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour.”

The Cameroon international expressed particular enthusiasm about working under manager Michael Carrick. “I cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick; his experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me reach the highest level,” he added. “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.”

Baleba had signalled his desire to move to Old Trafford as far back as last summer, and his interest remained firm when United revived their pursuit. Wilcox confirmed the club were aware of that commitment when finalising the deal.

“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. Carlos’ determination to join Manchester United and his confidence that we will achieve our shared ambitions mean that he is the perfect signing as we continue to build a dynamic and entertaining team.”

Baleba arrives having established himself as one of the Premier League’s more combative and progressive midfielders during his time at Brighton, and United will hope his profile adds both energy and technical quality to a rebuilt centre of the pitch.