[Photos] Carlos Baleba poses in Man Utd kit after completing £70m move from Brighton

Carlos Baleba has completed his £70m move to Manchester United from Brighton & Hove Albion, the club has confirmed today.

After guiding United to a third-placed finish in the Premier League last season, Michael Carrick has been trying to strengthen his squad during the summer transfer window.

Central midfield has been a particular area of concern, with the Red Devils already signing Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea. However, Carrick wanted another midfielder before the window closed and Baleba emerged as a prime target.

After failing to land the 22-year-old last summer, United renewed their interest this month and have been in talks with Brighton trying to thrash out a deal in recent weeks.

An agreement was finally reached between the two clubs and Baleba was given permission to travel to Manchester over the weekend to undergo his medical and finalise personal terms with the Old Trafford outfit.

Those formalities have now been concluded and Manchester United have announced on their official website that Baleba has joined the club on a five year contract with the option of a further year.

Baleba poses in Man Utd kit

While United haven’t disclosed the exact fee they’ve paid, the Standard are one of several media outlets reporting that the Manchester giants have paid Brighton £65m up front with a further £5m in add-ons.

Since joining Brighton from Lille in 2023, the Cameroonian international has developed a reputation as one of the most combative central midfielders in the Premier League.

He ranks highly for tackles and interceptions, so he should prove to be an excellent addition to Carrick’s squad now that he’s completed his move to Old Trafford.

Baleba is expected to train with his new team mates this week and should go straight into the squad for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.

Carrick will be hoping the midfielder can make an immediate impact as Man Utd look to bounce back from their hugely disappointing 2-0 defeat to Hull City on the opening weekend of the new season.

Here are more photos of Baleba posing in his new kit: