Cameroon’s Baleba joins as Man United boost midfield options

Manchester United has secured the signing of Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion, the Premier League club announced Tuesday. The 22-year-old becomes the third midfielder to join the Red Devils during the summer transfer window, significantly boosting the team's options in that area. His reported transfer fee of £70 million ($95 million) brings United's total spending on midfield reinforcements this window to over £150 million.

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Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Carlos Baleba has joined the club, subject to registration.

Baleba joins Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos as new additions to the United midfield, following the departure of veteran Casemiro at the end of the previous season. Manchester United highlighted Baleba's talent, noting his impressive statistics from the 2024/25 season. According to the club, his combined tackles and interceptions ranked sixth among Premier League midfielders, and he was fourth for progressive ball carries per 90 minutes. The club had previously shown interest in Baleba a year prior but was deterred by Brighton's asking price.

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Baleba has already established himself as one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League.

Despite a less stellar last season, Baleba's athleticism and combative style convinced Manchester United to pursue the transfer. The club cited his performance in the top eight percent of players for combined tackles and interceptions, and the top one percent for second balls won last season. "Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further," stated Jason Wilcox, Manchester United's director of football. Wilcox also emphasized Baleba's determination to join the club and his unique qualities that will complement the squad.

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During the 2024/25 season, his combined number of tackles and interceptions was the sixth-highest among midfielders in the league, while he also ranked fourth-highest for progressive ball carries per 90 minutes.

Baleba expressed his excitement about the move, calling it "an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams." He looks forward to playing at Old Trafford and working with Michael Carrick, whom he believes will help him reach the highest level. Baleba, who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023, signed a five-year contract with an option for an additional year. He is currently recovering from a pre-season ankle injury and will compete for a starting midfield spot with Tielemans, Santos, Kobbie Mainoo, and Mason Mount.

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It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams.