Manchester United have officially announced the signing of Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion, as confirmed by the Old Trafford club on Tuesday (local time). The contract runs until 2031, with an option to extend for a further year, though the transfer fee was not disclosed.
According to multiple sources, Brighton initially demanded a fee of up to $100 million, but the two sides eventually agreed on a figure of around £70 million (approximately $95 million). With this deal, Manchester United's total spending on midfield reinforcements during this summer transfer window has now surpassed £150 million (around $204 million).
Carlos Baleba, 22, was born in Douala, Cameroon. He began his professional career in 2022 at French club Lille before moving to Brighton the following year. At Brighton, Baleba made over 100 appearances, including 79 starts, helping the club secure qualification for the UEFA Conference League last season.
During the 2024/25 season, according to Manchester United's statistics, Baleba ranked sixth among Premier League midfielders in tackles and interceptions, and fourth in progressive carries per 90 minutes. He also ranked in the top 8% of players for tackles and interceptions, and in the top 1% for second-ball duels in the English top flight.
Manchester United had been monitoring Baleba since last summer and again during the January transfer window. The player is the third midfielder to join Old Trafford this summer, following Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
Baleba, who has earned 16 caps for Cameroon, will fill the void left by Casemiro, who departed to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) on a free transfer.
Speaking on his unveiling, Baleba said: “Joining my dream club is a wonderful feeling. Playing at Old Trafford has always been special, but the chance to do so as a Manchester United player will be a true honour. I’m really looking forward to working with Michael Carrick. His experience and football knowledge will be the perfect mentor for me to reach the highest level.”
