Manchester United don finally complete the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton. The Cameroon international join for deal wey fit reach £70m, with £65m guaranteed plus £5m in add-ons. E sign five-year contract, with option for another year.
Baleba, wey be 22, dey currently injured after im pick ankle injury during pre-season. But Sky Sports News understand say im fit come back by mid-September. United go play Manchester City on September 13, live on Sky Sports.
This signing don end transfer saga wey last almost 12 months. Sky Sports News don dey report United interest since last autumn, and dem enquire about am during January transfer window. Im remain one of United top targets this summer, and im now be third midfield addition after Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Baleba talk for club website: “It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams. Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour.” Im also talk say im no fit wait to work with Michael Carrick, and im determine to play im part for success.
Baleba join Brighton from Lille in 2023, and e make 112 appearances for the club. Im feature 35 times last season, and im miss some games while im dey represent Cameroon at Africa Cup of Nations. After announcement, im post emotional farewell for social media, thanking fans and staff.
Sky Sports analysis by William Bitibiri say Baleba form dip last season after im breakout campaign. But im still get qualities wey United need: athleticism, aggression, and ability to carry ball through midfield. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans don be astute additions, but Baleba offer different thing – specialist defensive power.
Wayne Rooney, United legend, also talk for podcast say im like the signing. Im say Baleba cover pitch brilliantly, play with power, and win ball back. Rooney say “I don’t think he disappeared” and e see am as top-class player.
United don spend £155m for midfield revamp this summer. Baleba arrive along with Santos (£48m) and Tielemans (£35m). With Kobbie Mainoo, United now get spread of different attributes across four-man midfield, three of whom dey 22 or younger.
But at Manchester United, one bad result bring intense pressure. Even Michael Carrick’s calm exterior crack after shock defeat to Hull, as im exchange words with Jan Aage Fjortoft. But the midfield now sorted, and fans dey look at other areas.
