Manchester United announced today that Carlos Baleba has completed his move to Old Trafford for a £65 million fee with add-ons on a five-year-deal with a one-year contract extension.
Manchester United have announced today the completion of Carlos Baleba's signing from Brighton for a £65 million fee plus add-ons.
After completing his medical today, Baleba will join United on a five-year-deal with a one-year contract extension available, keeping the midfielder at the club until at least 2031.
The Reds have been chasing the Cameroonian since last summer, but the £100 million price tag Brighton previously set deterred United from pushing for the move.
The midfielder arrived at Carrington today to complete his medical, and the announcement was made shortly after.
Baleba reacts to United's move
United fans will be ecstatic with the news that Baleba's transfer is finally complete. With the departure of Casemiro this summer and Manuel Ugarte's injury keeping him out of action for the majority of the season, the Reds were crying out for more midfield cover.
The deal suffered a small amount of jeopardy recently due to issues with the 22-year-old's work permit during contract negotiations, but the move was eventually completed without much hassle.
Baleba said this during interviews after the announcement, "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.”
Baleba has featured 112 times for Brighton over three seasons and has become a mainstay in the starting eleven, helping the Seagulls reach the UEFA Conference League last season, the first time Brighton have featured in a European competition in the club's history.
The midfielder is likely to challenge new signings Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for their place in the starting eleven, with the pair starting together during United's opening game against Hull on Saturday, but he will have to wait to do so.
Baleba sidelined until mid-September
During his preseason with Brighton, Baleba suffered an ankle ligament injury, which has kept him out of a significant part of his Premier League preparation.
Sky Sports has reported that Baleba will be out of action until at least mid-September, which will see him miss the Ipswich and Everton games and likely the Manchester City game.
The Cameroonian may be available for the Fulham game on September 20th, and will get three weeks of vital rest due to the early-Autumn international break.
Baleba will likely return just in time for the Reds' Champions League campaign to kick off, with the draw taking place on Thursday, 27th August.
