Manchester United has filled its gap in defensive midfield with Carlos Baleba—and dug deep into its pockets to do so. The transfer of the 22-year-old Cameroonian has been in the works since last summer.
Manchester United has filled its gap in defensive midfield by signing Carlos Baleba. The Cameroonian international (16 caps) joins the Red Devils from Brighton & Hove Albion, coached by Fabian Hürzeler, and has signed a five-year contract through 2031 with an option to extend for another year, ManUnited announced on Tuesday. This brings to an end a protracted tug-of-war over the 22-year-old that began last year.
Even back then, the Red Devils were working on a transfer. What didn’t work out last summer has now been successful a year later. However, United will have to dig deep into their pockets for the defensive midfielder. According to reports, the Seagulls will receive the equivalent of approximately 76 million euros, after they rejected a lower offer a few days ago. This sum could rise to around 82 million euros through bonus payments. Brighton also secured a share of any future transfer fee.
“It’s an incredible feeling to now be part of the club of my dreams. Playing at Old Trafford is always something special, but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a true honor,” Baleba said, expressing his delight at the transfer, albeit a little belatedly. “I can’t 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.”
Baleba is currently sidelined with an ankle injury
With Casemiro’s free transfer to Inter Miami and Manuel Ugarte’s ACL tear at the World Cup, strengthening the midfield this summer was a priority in Manchester. Following Andrey Santos (Chelsea FC) and Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Baleba is now the third new piece of the puzzle for Michael Carrick’s team.
In the summer of 2023, Baleba moved from Lille to England and has since made 98 appearances (three goals) for Brighton. Last season, he started 23 Premier League matches. After sustaining an ankle injury during this year’s preseason training, the defensive midfielder will be sidelined for the time being. As a result, he also missed Brighton’s spectacular season opener, a 4-0 victory over Europa League champion Aston Villa.
