MANCHESTER: Manchester United have completed the signing of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba for a transfer fee that could reach 70 million pounds, continuing their efforts to overhaul the club’s midfield.
Baleba, 22, signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford with the option of a 12-month extension after reaching personal terms and passing a medical.
United paid Brighton an initial £65 million, with up to a further £5 million in performance-based bonuses.
Brighton also included a resale clause in the deal.
The Cameroon international is currently sidelined with an ankle injury but becomes United’s third signing in the midfield position of the summer transfer window after Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
In total, United spent 85 million pounds to acquire Santos and Tielemans before completing the purchase of Baleba.
Baleba, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for over a year, admitted that he cannot wait to wear the jersey of his dream club.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be joining my dream club. Playing at Old Trafford is always special, but to have the opportunity to do it as a Manchester United player is a huge honour.
“I’m looking forward to working with Michael Carrick. His experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me reach the highest level.
“The dreams of everyone at this club are very clear. The future is very exciting and I am determined to play a role in helping us achieve the success that we can achieve together,” he said.
United’s Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, described Baleba as a high-class midfielder who still has a lot of room to develop.
“Carlos is an elite midfielder with great potential to continue to develop. He brings a unique combination of qualities that will complement our squad.
“We are pleased to continue to strengthen our midfield with the arrival of another experienced international player who has proven his ability to perform in the Premier League.
“Carlos’ determination to join Manchester United and his belief that we can achieve our ambitions together make him the right player as we continue to build a dynamic and entertaining team, ready to compete in a variety of competitions,” he said.
Baleba’s presence is expected to relieve United fans who are disappointed with the lackluster start to the season after the team lost 0-2 to Hull City last Saturday.