Arriving from Brighton at the end of August 2026 for £70 million (€80 million) plus €5 million in add-ons, Cameroon international Carlos Baleba is already establishing himself as the vital cog in Manchester United’s midfield, alongside fellow midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
A tactical analysis published this Saturday morning details why Carlos Baleba is already transforming the balance of Manchester United’s midfield, reports Football365. The 22-year-old midfielder, signed at the end of August 2026 for £70 million (€80 million) plus €5 million in add-ons according to Goal and Eurosport, is presented there as the key player in the system of Michael Carrick, the Red Devils’ manager.
In his first 97 official minutes in the red shirt, the former Lille man has already made an impression: an energetic cameo against Tottenham Hotspur, then a start against Atlético de Madrid. Carrick is counting on his physical power and clean distribution to stabilise a team that has emerged from a run of mixed results, according to Football365.
A rare profile under pressure
Born on 3 January 2004 in Douala, trained at EFBC and then at LOSC Lille, Baleba made a name for himself at the Seagulls, where he was voted young player of the year in 2024-2025. A box-to-box midfielder, he ranked last season with Brighton in the top 8% of elite midfielders for interceptions and tackles, and in the top 1% for second balls won in the Premier League, according to figures put forward by Manchester United.
Football365’s analysis, which is an editorial opinion, highlights his unique ability to turn away from pressure under a defensive press.
The complementarity with Mainoo
The duo formed with Kobbie Mainoo is presented as a major asset: according to the same analysis, it would make up for Youri Tielemans’ defensive shortfall.
In an official message published by Manchester United, Baleba reacted to his arrival (translated from English): “It’s 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. I can’t wait to work with Michael Carrick.”
The Indomitable Lion, who wears the number 20 at the Red Devils, has signed a five-year deal tying him to the club until June 2031, with an option for a further year, according to Manchester United.
A confirmation expected this weekend
At 22, Baleba has 16 caps for Cameroon, including AFCON 2025, according to Wikipedia.
His next fixture is matchday 8 of the Premier League this weekend: a start is expected to firmly anchor the Mancunian midfield.