Manchester United have moved quickly to reshape the centre of the pitch, bringing in Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal valued at around €82 million overall. The package is reportedly structured as an initial £65 million plus up to £5 million in add-ons, with the 22-year-old signing a five-year contract that includes the option of a further 12 months.
- Baleba has completed his move from Brighton to Manchester United.
- He has signed a five-year contract with the option of a further 12 months.
- Baleba is United’s third midfield signing of the summer after Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Carlos Baleba Joins Manchester United
Carlos Baleba arrives at Old Trafford as part of a clear Manchester United response to a changing midfield picture. United have committed major money to the move, making it the latest significant step in their recruitment for that area.
Brighton have also protected their position by including a sell-on clause in the agreement. The timing also fits United’s needs. Casemiro has departed, Manuel Ugarte has suffered a serious knee injury, and Baleba now becomes the latest major piece in a summer rebuild of the midfield unit.
Manchester United had already added Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans before pushing through this deal, underlining just how heavily this area has been prioritised.
What Baleba Brings to United’s Midfield
Baleba gives United a young defensive midfielder with the kind of physical edge they have been missing at times. His athleticism, aggression and willingness to carry the ball through the middle should add more defensive strength and drive in transition.
The 22-year-old also offers a useful left-footed passing range over short distances, helping United move the ball cleanly through central areas. His longer passing still looks like an area that can be sharpened, but his overall profile is easy to see: energy, power and composure on the ball.
Brighton used Baleba regularly during the 2025 season, where he made 31 Premier League appearances, including 23 starts. His recent involvement also stretched across the EFL Cup, FA Cup and Africa Cup of Nations, so United are not bringing in a player short on high-level minutes.
Baleba’s Prospects at Old Trafford
Baleba’s move to Manchester United feels like a major investment in his potential as much as an immediate fix. United are investing heavily in a midfielder who still has plenty of room to grow, and the idea of him developing alongside Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo and Santos gives the club a younger-looking core in that area.
While there is still some risk attached, and his 2025-26 performances were perhaps less consistent than his earlier breakout period, the physical and technical tools are undeniable. That potential helps explain why United have been willing to make such a significant commitment.
Manchester United now have greater depth in midfield after a summer of turnover, and Baleba should have a real chance to shape the next phase of that rebuild. Whether he hits top form straight away or grows into the role over time, this transfer gives him the perfect platform to develop in a United shirt.
