Carlos Baleba joins Manchester United; honours and trophies

Carlos Baleba joined Manchester United from Brighton & Hove Albion after the Premier League club confirmed the signing on Tuesday, 25 August 2026. United will pay an initial £65 million with a further £5 million in add‑ons, and the Cameroonian midfielder signed a five‑year contract at Old Trafford with an option to extend for one year.

Brighton negotiated a sell‑on clause as part of the transfer agreement. The move concludes a long‑running pursuit by Manchester United, who tried to sign Baleba last season but were rebuffed. Brighton had refused to sell him during that earlier approach.

Baleba is currently out with an ankle ligament injury and is recovering. He is expected to be sidelined for a short period, meaning United will need to wait before he can make his debut. The club announced the medical situation as part of the signing coverage.

The 22‑year‑old Cameroon international is expected to walk into the starting lineup of a new‑look United midfield. That midfield also features Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Baleba arrives having established himself as one of the most exciting young midfielders in the world.

Baleba has not yet won any team trophies. His individual honours to date are Brighton’s Young Player of the Season (2024‑25) and the Premier League Goal of the Month (April 2025). He joins United without a senior club trophy in his playing history.

“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,” Baleba said after signing the contract. “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.”

The piece was written by Sushruta, who has spent over two years covering football. Baleba will have the chance to win his first team trophy with Manchester United.