Man Utd announce Baleba arrival as midfield rebuild continues

Manchester United have continued to rebuild their midfield after they announced the arrival of Carlos Baleba from Brighton on Tuesday. 

United, who have already signed Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, confirmed the signing of Baleba for a reported £65m fee plus £5m in add-ons. 

The 22-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Red Devils, ending three successful seasons with Brighton. 

He joined Brighton in August 2023 from Lille and went on to make 112 appearances in all competitions for the Seagulls, scoring four goals and providing two assists. 

No player won more tackles across all competitions for Brighton than Baleba's 100 since his debut for the club, while he also ranked second behind new Tottenham defender Jan Paul van Hecke for duels won (469) and interceptions (117) in that time.

"It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams," Baleba told the club's website.

"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 exciting, and I am determined to play my part in delivering the success that we are capable of together."

Baleba is currently unavailable to Michael Carrick after sustaining an ankle injury in pre-season, with reports suggesting he could be back in action by the middle of September. 

The Cameroon international is United's fourth addition this summer, following the acquisitions of Santos from Chelsea and Tielemans from Aston Villa, along with Karl Darlow, who joined from Leeds United on a free transfer. 

United reignited their interest after attempting to sign Baleba last year near deadline day, but were put off by Brighton's valuation, which was believed to be in excess of £100m.

"Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further. He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad," United's director of football Jason 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.

"Carlos' determination to join Manchester United and his confidence that we will achieve our shared ambitions mean that he is the perfect signing as we continue to build a dynamic and entertaining team ready to compete across multiple competitions."

Baleba's arrival comes after United began their Premier League campaign with a shock 2-0 defeat to Hull City, with Santos and Tielemans making their debuts in midfield.

The Red Devils have lost their opening Premier League game in four of the last seven seasons (W3), while it is the first time in their league history they have lost on MD1 to a newly promoted side (P14 W10 D3 L1).

Carrick's side return to Old Trafford this Sunday, where they take on another newly-promoted side in Ipswich Town, who beat Sunderland 2-1 on the opening day.