Manchester United confirm Carlos Baleba signing as midfield spend nears £150m

Manchester United have completed the signing of the Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in a deal worth up to £70m. The Cameroon international is the third midfielder to join this summer, after Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.

Baleba has signed a five-year contract with the option to extend for 12 months after United agreed a £65m deal plus £5m in add-ons and a sell-on with Brighton. It takes the club’s spend on midfielders to about £148m.

Santos and Tielemans have arrived from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively during a summer when Casemiro left and Manuel Ugarte sustained a serious knee injury.

“It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams,” Baleba said. “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 made a move to bring in Baleba last summer but cooled their pursuit when Brighton made it clear he was not leaving. Baleba was not at his best last season but that did not put off United, who stepped up their interest in the 22-year-old a week ago.

United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, said: “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.”