Manchester United have signed 22 year-old Cameroon international midfielder, Carlos Baleba, from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal reportedly worth £70 million.
Baleba has agreed to a five-year contract with an option for a sixth season. The financial terms were not disclosed by the club, but British media reported a fee of £65 million plus up to £5 million in add-ons.
The Cameroonian said joining United was a dream come true.
“it is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams. Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour,” Baleba said.
The move follows the departures of Casemiro and a serious knee injury to Manuel Ugarte, leaving United looking to strengthen in midfield. The club had already signed Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea this summer.
Football director, Jason Wilcox, described Baleba as an elite midfielder with huge potential.
The signing comes after United suffered a 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull in their opening Premier League game.
Baleba will now be expected to bring energy, ball-winning ability and physical presence to a United midfield undergoing major changes.
