Carlos Baleba has left Brighton and Hove Albion for Manchester United in a deal valued at about £70 million.
Albion said: “Carlos Baleba has joined Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.
“The 22-year-old Cameroon international midfielder joined Albion from Lille in the summer of 2023 and went on to make 112 appearances for the club, scoring four goals.”
Albion sporting director Mike Cave said: “Carlos has made a significant contribution during his time with us and we’ve seen him develop both as a player and person here.
“When Carlos arrived. he was a young player with huge potential and, through his own hard work and commitment together with the support of our coaches and staff, he has developed into an outstanding Premier League midfielder.
“This is a move that Carlos was keen to make and we respect that he wants to take this opportunity at this stage of his career.
“We would like to thank him for everything he has done during his time at Brighton and wish him every success in the next chapter of his journey.”
Albion added: “A native of Douala, Cameroon, Baleba started his career with Futur Soccer before joining the Ecole de Football des Brasseries du Cameroun academy.
“He signed for Lille in January 2022 and made his senior breakthrough with the French club before joining Albion in August 2023.”
Baleba joined Brighton for just over £23 million. Before his departure was formally announced and before he shared any pictures in a red shirt, he posted a video and a brief message on Instagram.
He said: “I came here at 19 with little English and no idea what this club would become to me.
“Brighton only asked me to be myself. The staff who make the club run so well. The teammates who took the time to understand me, on the pitch and off it. The nights at the Amex when I heard my name from that stand always made me feel at home.
“To all of the fans, staff and my teammates. You looked after me and for that I will hold you all close to my heart. Wherever I play, this club is in how I play. Good luck Seagulls!”
He also said: “I never said very much while I was here. I am not going to pretend that changes today.
“Brighton took a 19-year-old who could not speak the language, gave him a short and gave him three years – gave him time to grow up.
“Nobody had to do that. I will be looking for your result every week for the rest of my life. Thank you, Brighton fans.”
Baleba will wear the number 20 shirt at United – as he did at Brighton – following the likes of past United players such as Robin van Persie, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Dion Dublin.
Manchester United said that they were “pleased to confirm that Carlos Baleba has joined the club, subject to registration”.
The club said: “The Cameroon international has signed a contract until June 2031, with the option to extend for a further year.
“At the age of 22, Baleba has already established himself as one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League.
“During the 2024-25 season, his combined number of tackles and interceptions was the sixth-highest among midfielders in the league, while he also ranked fourth-highest for progressive ball carries per 90 minutes.
“Last season, Baleba played 31 games in the Premier League, ranking in the top 8 per cent of players for combined tackles and interceptions as well as the top 1 per cent for second balls won, helping Brighton and Hove Albion to qualify for the UEFA Conference League.”
Baleba joined United on a five-year contract, with the option to extend for a further year, after agreeing a £65 million deal plus £5 million in add-ons and a sell-on clause.
He said: “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.
“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.
“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 tried to sign Baleba last summer but cooled their pursuit when Brighton made it abundantly clear that he would not be leaving at that time.
He was not at his best last season but that did not put off the Old Trafford outfit, with the club stepping up their efforts over the past week.
