Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
After more than a year of chasing Carlos Baleba, Manchester United have finally got their man. The club have confirmed the signing of the Brighton midfielder in a deal worth more than 70 million British pounds, completing a major overhaul of their midfield under Michael Carrick.
The 22-year-old Cameroon international has signed a contract until June 2031, with United holding the option to extend his stay by a further year.
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Baleba becomes United’s third major midfield signing of the summer after Andrey Santos arrived from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans joined from Aston Villa. The club had set out to bring in three midfielders and have now completed that plan with the arrival of the powerful Brighton star.
United’s pursuit of Baleba stretched back to last season, but Brighton’s valuation had made a deal difficult to complete. The Red Devils eventually agreed a reported fee of more than £70 million to bring him to Old Trafford.
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and has made 112 appearances for the club. He has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most highly rated young midfielders.
During the 2024/25 season, his combined number of tackles and interceptions was the sixth-highest among midfielders in the Premier League. He also ranked fourth for progressive ball carries per 90 minutes.
The 22-year-old made 31 Premier League appearances for Brighton last season, starting 23 games. He ranked in the top eight per cent of players for combined tackles and interceptions and the top one per cent for second balls won, helping Brighton qualify for the UEFA Conference League.
Baleba described his move to Manchester United as an “incredible feeling” and said playing at Old Trafford would 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,” Baleba said.
“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.”
United director of football Jason Wilcox believes Baleba can add another dimension to the midfield.
“Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further. He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad,” Wilcox said.
“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.”
Baleba’s arrival comes after United’s opening-day defeat to Hull City, adding further urgency to their need for a stronger midfield.
His physicality, tackling and ability to carry the ball should give Carrick another option alongside Kobbie Mainoo. After adding Santos and Tielemans, United have now completed the midfield rebuild they set out to achieve this summer.
And after months of waiting, Baleba is finally a Manchester United player.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
