Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba joins as Manchester United boost midfield options
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Carlos Baleba has signed a five-year contract, with the option for Manchester United to extend for a further year.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Manchester United signed Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton for £70 million, adding to their summer signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
- Baleba, 22, signed a five-year deal but will miss several weeks due to ankle ligament injury sustained in pre-season.
- United aims to rebuild midfield after Casemiro's departure, targeting Champions League qualification and ultimately a 21st Premier League title by 2028.
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LONDON – Manchester United further bolstered their midfield with the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported £70 million (S$121 million) fee on Aug 25.
The 22-year-old is the third midfielder signed by the Red Devils during the summer transfer window after the arrival of Belgium’s Youri Tielemans and Brazilian Andrey Santos.
The Cameroon international has signed a five-year contract, with the option for United to extend for a further year.
“Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Carlos Baleba has joined the club, subject to registration,” the 20-time English champions said in a statement.
“Baleba has already established himself as one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League.”
United had been interested in signing the former Lille man a year ago following two impressive seasons but baulked at Brighton’s reported £100 million asking price.
Following the speculation, Baleba’s form suffered last season, but they retained their interest and this time were able to reach an agreement with Brighton.
The deal cost United a reported initial fee of £65 million plus a potential £5m in add-ons.
“It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams,” said Baleba.
“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.”
Baleba joined Brighton from French side Lille in 2023 for £23 million and made 112 appearances for the Seagulls.
But he started only 23 Premier League games last season in a disappointing campaign and was substituted at half-time four times.
His athleticism and combative quality have been pinpointed by United as key attributes they needed to rebuild the midfield after the departure of Casemiro.
He will compete with Tielemans, Santos and Kobbie Mainoo for two starting roles behind captain Bruno Fernandes in the team’s new-look midfield.
“Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further,” said United’s director of football Jason Wilcox, who also pointed to Baleba’s determination to join the club.
“He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad.”
However, United fans could face a wait of weeks before seeing their new star in action. Baleba suffered ankle ligament damage in pre-season and is expected to be sidelined until at least mid-September.
After a strong end to the last season which secured third place in the Premier League, and Carrick the job as manager on a permanent basis, United’s new campaign got off to a horrible start in a 2-0 defeat at newly promoted Hull City on Aug 22.
Another clash with new boys Ipswich Town at home on Aug 30 offers the perfect chance to bounce back before tougher trips to Everton and Fulham, either side of a derby against Manchester City, before the international break.
Carrick has stated that United’s ambition has to be Champions League qualification again this season rather than a crack at a first Premier League title since 2013.
But Baleba is confident that the Red Devils can get back to challenging for major honours, with the club’s hierarchy targeting a 21st top-flight title by their 150th anniversary in 2028.
“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,” added Baleba.
Meanwhile, Fernandes, 31, who provided a league-record 21 assists and scored nine goals during the last season, was named the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year on Aug 25.
The men’s annual award, voted for by members of the players’ union, has now been won by United players 12 times, more than any other club in England and Wales.
Fernandes is the second Portuguese player to win the award after Cristiano Ronaldo won it twice in a row in 2007 and 2008.
The Young Player of the Year award went to 21-year-old Manchester City left-back Nico O’Reilly after a breakthrough campaign that also saw him win the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.
England international O’Reilly made 53 appearances for City in all competitions, scoring nine goals. AFP, REUTERS