Manchester United have secured the services of Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba, completing a move from Brighton and Hove Albion in a deal worth up to £70 million — comprising a £65 million guaranteed fee plus £5 million in performance-related add-ons.

The 22-year-old has committed to a five-year contract, which carries an option to extend for a further season. Baleba becomes United's third midfield signing of the summer, following Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans through the doors at Old Trafford.

A saga finally concluded

The transfer had been one of the longest-running stories of the window. Manchester United's interest in Baleba was first reported by Sky Sports News last autumn, with the club making an official enquiry during the January transfer window. Nearly 12 months later, the deal is done.

Baleba is currently sidelined with an ankle injury sustained during pre-season training, though the club expects him to return to fitness around mid-September. United face Manchester City on September 13 — a fixture that could mark Baleba's first involvement in a Manchester derby.

Baleba speaks on his move

The Cameroon international expressed his excitement at joining United, describing the move as a lifelong ambition.