Carlos Baleba officially signs for Manchester United

After over a year of speculation, Manchester United finally have their man.

The Red Devils set out to bring three midfielders in this summer and confirmed the signings of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.

After a further month of speculation over who their final midfield recruit would be, Manchester United have now confirmed the coup of Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The club posted on their website with a statement reading, “Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Carlos Baleba has joined the club, subject to registration.”

Baleba has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with the club having the option to extend a further year to 2032.

He is United’s third main midfield signing this summer, after Santos and Tielemans respectively, but is likely to have his debut for the club delayed due to an injury that he has sustained.

Carlos 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.”

Jason Wilcox, director of football, said, “Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further. He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad.

“We are delighted to further strengthen our midfield with the addition of another established senior international with a proven track record of performing in the Premier League.

“Carlos’ determination to join Manchester United and his confidence that we will achieve our shared ambitions mean that he is the perfect signing as we continue to build a dynamic and entertaining team ready to compete across multiple competitions.”

The 22-year-old made 31 Premier League appearances for Brighton in the 2025/26 season, starting 23 of those.

For some time Manchester United have had serious interest in Baleba, which continued on in through last season, but Brighton’s valuation proved difficult for Michael Carrick’s side to reach.

Sometimes the best things in life take time, and United have made their swoop to bring in the Cameroonian for a reported fee of over £70m.

The signing of Carlos Baleba is a well-timed one for Manchester United after their opening day defeat against Hull City.

The 22-year-old will add quality to their team, prove a great partner for Kobbie Mainoo, and complete the Red Devils’ rejuvenation of their midfield department.