Man Utd complete mega-money capture of Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton

By SABC Sport
25th August 2026

Manchester United have completed the signing of Cameroon international Carlos Baleba from Brighton in a deal worth up to 70 million pounds.

The 22-year-old midfielder has agreed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with United holding an option to extend the deal by another 12 months. The transfer includes an initial 65 million pound fee and a further 5 million pounds in potential add-ons, while Brighton have also secured a sell-on clause.

Baleba becomes United's third midfield arrival of the transfer window after Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, as the club continue to reshape the position under head coach Michael Carrick.

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

"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."

The Cameroon international joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and made 112 appearances for the Seagulls, including 31 Premier League outings last season. He now arrives at United while recovering from an ankle injury sustained during pre-season, with a possible return expected around mid-September.

That could put his first Manchester derby appearance in doubt, with United scheduled to face Manchester City on September 13.

Brighton's farewell to Baleba marks the end of a three-year spell in which the midfielder became an important part of the club's squad. In an emotional message to supporters, he reflected on arriving in England as a teenager with limited English and thanked the club for helping him settle.

United sporting director Jason Wilcox believes Baleba can add another dimension to the team.

"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."

The signing takes United's spending to around 153 million pounds in the current transfer windown as they prepare for a return to the Champions League, while also looking to recover from a disappointing start to their Premier League campaign following Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Hull City.