Manchester United complete Carlos Baleba transfer for £70m

Manchester United have completed a long-running pursuit of midfielder Carlos Baleba, agreeing a deal with Brighton that will see the 22-year-old Cameroon international join the club. The agreement, confirmed on August 21, 2026, follows a year of persistent negotiations and completes a significant summer overhaul of United's midfield under manager Michael Carrick.

The transfer is structured as a 65 million pound package with an additional 5 million in potential add-ons, meeting Brighton's valuation for the player. This final figure comes after an earlier offer of 65 million pounds without add-ons was rejected. Baleba, who had been valued at over 100 million pounds by Brighton the previous summer, has now been secured at a considerably reduced price. He has reportedly agreed personal terms and will sign a five-year contract. A medical is scheduled for August 22, after which the move will be formally completed.

The 22-year-old midfielder is the third central midfielder United have signed this summer, following the arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. This recruitment drive was necessitated by Casemiro's departure on a free transfer and a...