Carlos Baleba signs for Manchester United

Manchester United have completed their third midfield signing of the summer, as Carlos Baleba joins the Red Devils from Brighton.

Manchester United went into this summer setting their sights on rebuilding the midfield.

Casemiro's departure at the end of the 2025/26 season meant the club needed to bring in a replacement for that position, and Manuel Ugarte's injury at the World Cup further intensified their needs.

Michael Carrick's side completed the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans during the summer, for a combined fee of £85m. Still, there was a feeling that United needed another midfielder to strengthen their squad depth ahead of the upcoming UEFA Champions League campaign.

Last summer, United were interested in Baleba, but were priced out of a move. 12 months later, Manchester United have their man.

The Cameroon international has penned a five-year contract with the Red Devils, and the fee is believed to be initially £65m. Including add-ons, the overall transfer package could reach £70m.

Baleba played 35 times for Brighton last season in all competitions. 31 of those appearances were in the Premier League, as he helped the Seagulls to a UEFA Conference League finish.

His last Premier League appearance was against Manchester United. Now, he has joined the Red Devils, as Michael Carrick's side look to finish in the UEFA Champions League positions in back-to-back seasons.