Manchester United have signed midfielder Carlos Baleba from Premier League rivals Brighton for a reported fee of £70m.
United were heavily linked with signing the 22-year-old last summer but were quoted a fee in excess of £100m.
The Cameroon international had a disappointing season after that move fell through and was named as one of the flops of the season.
But United’s poor opening-day defeat at Hull left Michael Carrick’s need for reinforcements obvious and he has signed a five-year deal.
He joins Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos as new signings in the engine room at Old Trafford this season.
Baleba said: “It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams. 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 to reach the highest level.
“The ambition of everyone at the club is extremely clear, the future is hugely exciting, and I am determined to play my part in delivering the success that we are capable of together.”
Carlos Baleba: Why United made transfer move
Baleba has long been regarded as one of the most explosive young midfielders in the Premier League, announcing himself on the top-flight stage with a string of commanding performances after arriving from Lille in 2023.
With Casemiro no longer at the club, Manchester United are overhauling the engine room to match the intensity demanded in their system.
A destructive ball-winner with pace at the base of midfield, Baleba has the attributes to bring defensive solidity and duel-winning presence to the middle.
The club’s recruitment team were convinced by Baleba’s rapid development on the south coast, where he seamlessly adapted to the pace of English football and emerged as a primary target for Europe’s elite – despite his poor form last season.
Can he adapt to life at United?
When will Baleba make his debut?
Baleba is available to make his Red Devils debut against newly-promoted Ipswich Town on Sunday 30 August.
