MANCHESTER UNITED SIGN CAMEROON MIDFIELDER BALEBA FROM BRIGHTON FOR £70M

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Agency Report

Manchester United have completed the signing of Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old becomes the third midfielder recruited by United during the summer transfer window, with the reported £70 million ($95 million) transfer fee taking the club’s spending on midfield reinforcements beyond £150 million.

“Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Carlos Baleba has joined the club, subject to registration,” the 20-time Premier League champions said in a statement.

Baleba joins Belgium international Youri Tielemans and Brazil’s Andrey Santos as part of a reshaped United midfield following the departure of veteran midfielder Casemiro at the end of last season.

United described Baleba as one of the Premier League’s most promising midfielders, highlighting his defensive and ball-carrying statistics.

During the 2024/25 season, Baleba’s combined tackles and interceptions ranked sixth among midfielders in the league, while he was fourth for progressive ball carries per 90 minutes, according to the club.

United had expressed interest in signing the Cameroon international a year ago following his impressive performances for Brighton but were deterred by the south coast club’s valuation.

His form dipped last season, but United maintained their interest and have now secured his services.

Baleba said joining United fulfilled a long-standing ambition.

“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.”

The midfielder also expressed his excitement about working with United head coach 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 to reach the highest level,” Baleba said.

The move further underlines United’s focus on rebuilding their midfield as they seek to strengthen the squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

AFP