United boosts midfield with Baleba signing

Manchester United further bolstered its midfield with the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton for a reported fee of 70 million pounds ($95 million) on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old is the third midfielder signed by the Red Devils during the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of Belgium's Youri Tielemans and Brazilian Andrey Santos.

The Cameroon international has signed a five-year contract, with the option for United to extend for a further year.

"Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Carlos Baleba has joined the club, subject to registration," the 20-time Premier League champion said in a statement.

"Baleba has already established himself as one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League," the statement added.

United had been interested in signing the former Lille man a year ago following two impressive seasons, but baulked at Brighton's reported 100-million-pound asking price.

Following the speculation, Baleba's form suffered last season, but United retained its interest and this time was able to reach an agreement with Brighton.

The deal will cost United a reported initial fee of 65 million pounds plus a potential further five million in add-ons.

"It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams," said Baleba.

"Playing at Old Trafford is always special, but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honor.

"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."

'Unique qualities'

Baleba joined Brighton from French side Lille in 2023 for 23 million pounds and made 112 appearances for the Seagulls.

But he started only 23 Premier League games last season in a disappointing campaign and was substituted at halftime four times.

His athleticism and combative style have been pinpointed by United as key attributes it needs to rebuild the midfield after the departure of Casemiro.

He will compete with Tielemans, Santos and Kobbie Mainoo for two starting roles behind captain Bruno Fernandes in a new-look United midfield.

"Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further," said United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, who also pointed to Baleba's determination to join the club.

"He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad."

However, United fans could face a wait of weeks before seeing their new star in action.

Baleba suffered ankle ligament damage in preseason and is expected to be sidelined until at least mid-September.

After a strong end to last season which secured third place in the Premier League, and Carrick the job as manager on a permanent basis, United's new campaign got off to a horrible start in a 2-0 defeat away to newly promoted Hull on Saturday.

A clash with Premier League returnee Ipswich at Old Trafford on Sunday offers Carrick's men the perfect chance to bounce back before tougher trips to Everton and Fulham, either side of a derby against Manchester City, before the international break.

Carrick has stated that United's ambition has to be Champions League qualification again this season rather than a crack at a first Premier League title since 2013.

But Baleba is confident that United can get back to challenging for major honors, with the club's hierarchy targeting a 21st Premier League title by its 150th anniversary in 2028.

"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," added Baleba.

Bruno crowned

Captain Fernandes was crowned the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) player of the year on Tuesday, while Manchester City's Khadija Shaw scooped the women's award for the second time.

Portugal international Fernandes broke the all-time record for Premier League assists during an outstanding individual 2025-26 season, setting up 21 goals as he surpassed the previous mark of 20, jointly kept by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

The 31-year-old also scored nine times, as United overcame a poor start to finish third in the Premier League under Carrick and earn a return to the Champions League.

Fernandes also won the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award in May.

"It is obviously a very proud moment. They are the ones you go on the pitch against and it's probably not easy to vote for someone you play against, so it is a very good moment," said Fernandes.

Shaw was rewarded for scoring 21 goals on the way to a third straight Golden Boot and securing City's first Women's Super League title for a decade.

There was further success for City as Nico O'Reilly was named the men's young player of the year.

The 21-year-old scored twice in the League Cup final as City beat Arsenal and was part of the side that also won the FA Cup last season.

"I'm very proud of the season I had," said the England international.

"I won two trophies with my club and managed to play at the World Cup with my country. I'm over the moon about how it turned out."

O'Reilly was joined by City teammates Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo in the team of the year.

Champion Arsenal had five representatives in David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice, with Fernandes and Brentford's Igor Thiago completing the XI.