Manchester United confirmed the arrival of midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion on a five-year contract on Tuesday.
United will pay a fee of £65 million ($88.6m) plus £5 million ($6.8m) in possible add-ons, sources told ESPN. The deal includes an option to extend Baleba’s contract for a further year.
Baleba, 22, has arrived at Old Trafford to bolster a new-look midfield which includes fellow newcomers Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
The Cameroon international has played 92 times in the Premier League for Brighton since signing from Lille three years ago.
“It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams,” Baleba said in a United statement. “Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour.
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“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.”
Sources told ESPN that United were quoted a price of more than £100 million to sign Baleba last summer.
CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox walked away from talks 12 months ago over concerns that Brighton were demanding a fee more than the £115 million agreed with Chelsea for Moisés Caicedo in 2023.
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Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further. He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad.
“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,” Wilcox said.
“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.”
ESPN’s Rob Dawson contributed to this report.
