United confirm £65m Baleba signing, set for Old Trafford unveiling

Manchester United have officially confirmed the acquisition of Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion for a guaranteed £65 million, plus up to £5 million in performance-related add-ons.

Baleba’s contract and timeline

The Cameroonian midfielder signed a five-year agreement with the club, which includes an option for a further 12 months.

His arrival completes United’s summer overhaul of the midfield, following the signings of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa — moves designed to strengthen what the club described as “the engine room”.

Baleba sustained an ankle injury during pre-season training. The club assessed the issue as non-serious, and he is projected to return to action in mid-September — ahead of United’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City on 13 September.

The Old Trafford unveiling

United announced that Baleba will be present at Old Trafford for Sunday’s match against Ipswich Town — the club’s first home game of the season.

He will be formally introduced to supporters just before kick-off at 16:30 BST, with the club urging fans to arrive early to ensure a full stadium welcome.

“The midfielder will be at Old Trafford for Sunday’s game, our first at home this season,” the club stated.

“Carlos will be unveiled to the crowd just before kick-off, at 16:30 BST, and supporters are encouraged to get to their seats early to help give our new man a warm welcome.”

Context ahead of the Ipswich clash

United enter the match seeking a return to winning form after suffering a 2–0 defeat to Hull City in their previous outing.

They face Gary O’Neil’s Ipswich side — nicknamed the Tractor Boys — with no margin for another setback of similar magnitude.

Speaking after finalising the transfer, Baleba said Manchester United had long been the club he dreamed of playing for, expressed enthusiasm about working under Michael Carrick, and described the move as the next major challenge in his career.