Manchester United officially announce the signing of Carlos Baleba

Manchester United have completed the transfer of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano announced on X. The 22-year-old Cameroonian international becomes the latest addition to the English club’s ranks after a lengthy year of negotiations.

The transfer was confirmed by Romano with his usual “Here We Go,” putting an end to Manchester United’s pursuit of the promising midfielder. According to the expert, a verbal agreement has been reached between Manchester United and Brighton following an improved offer from the Mancunians. United had initially seen its £65 million bid rejected by the Seagulls, before returning with an improved proposal of £65 million upfront plus £5 million in potential add-ons.

A year of talks leads to agreement

Carlos Baleba joins Manchester United after a year of negotiations. The Red Devils had already attempted to sign him during the 2025 summer transfer window, even reaching a personal agreement with the player. However, Brighton had then set a price deemed too high to finalize the deal. Manchester United’s management maintained contact with the player’s entourage over the past twelve months. This persistence allowed them to reignite discussions and ultimately finalize a transfer that Baleba was eager to complete, as Manchester United was the only club he wanted to join. The midfielder has already been permitted to travel to Manchester for his medical and to sign his long-term contract.

A major reinforcement for the Red Devils’ midfield

Carlos Baleba’s arrival is part of Manchester United’s reshaping of their midfield, overseen by Michael Carrick. The Cameroonian becomes the third major signing in a deep-lying midfield role this summer, following the arrivals of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Newcastle. With academy prospect Kobbie Mainoo already well-established in the squad, Carrick now has a versatile and dynamic trio to drive the team’s midfield. Tielemans brings technical quality and distribution, while Baleba contributes athleticism, physical power, and crucial defensive cover. This well-rounded profile should help the Red Devils withstand pressing and cover greater distances on the pitch. With Baleba set to complete his medical and finalize his contract, Manchester United now boast a stronger midfield to tackle a demanding domestic and European season ahead. His technical and athletic attributes could prove decisive in the coming months.