Manchester United have completed the signing of Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton in a £70m deal. The Old Trafford club paid an initial £65m with an extra £5m in potential add-ons, while Brighton have also secured a sell-on clause.
The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract with an option for an extra year. Baleba expressed his excitement about joining his dream club and stated his eagerness to work with manager Michael Carrick to reach the highest level.
The transfer takes United's total summer spending to £153m as they prepare for a return to the Champions League. United previously pursued the player last year, but were deterred by Brighton's valuation exceeding £100m at the time.
Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained during pre-season training in Austria. Known for his defensive qualities and ball-winning abilities, he made 31 Premier League appearances last season to help Brighton finish eighth.
