Manchester United have officially confirmed the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion in a deal worth up to £70m.
The 22-year-old Cameroonian international has joined the Red Devils on a five-year contract, with the option of a further year included in the agreement.
According to the Standard and other media outlets, United paid Brighton £65m up front with an additional £5m available in performance-related add-ons.
Manager Michael Carrick has been busy strengthening his squad this summer after guiding United to a third-placed Premier League finish last season.
Central midfield was identified as a key area for reinforcement, with Baleba becoming the third midfielder signed by the club this transfer window.
United had already brought in Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea before turning their attention to the Brighton man.
Carrick had failed to land Baleba last summer but renewed his pursuit this month, with talks between the two clubs intensifying over recent weeks before a deal was finally agreed.
Baleba travelled to Manchester over the weekend to complete his medical and finalise personal terms before putting pen to paper on his new deal.
The Cameroonian joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most combative central midfielders, ranking highly for tackles and interceptions.
His physicality and tenacity in the middle of the park made him a standout target for Carrick, who wanted a midfielder capable of winning the ball and imposing himself on games.
Baleba is expected to train with his new teammates this week ahead of a potential debut in Sunday’s Premier League clash with Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.
Carrick will be eager to see an immediate impact from his new signing as United look to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 opening-day defeat to Hull City.