Manchester United confirmed the signing of 22-year-old midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton on Tuesday for a reported 70 million pounds ($95 million).
Michael Carrick’s United has undergone a midfield rebuild this summer after the departure of Casemiro and before Manuel Ugarte sustained a serious knee injury.
The club last month signed Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea.
Baleba, a Cameroon international, signed a five-year contract with an option to extend for a sixth year, United said.
“It is 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 honor,” Baleba said in the club's announcement.
Financial terms weren't disclosed. British media widely reported the transfer fee to be 65 million pounds plus a potential 5 million pounds in add-ons.
In 31 Premier League games last season, Baleba ranked in the top 8% of players for combined tackles and interceptions as well as the top 1% for second balls won, United said.
“Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further,” United director of football Jason Wilcox said. “He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad.”
United was stunned 2-0 by newly promoted Hull on Saturday in the opening weekend of the Premier League.
Source: www.newsday.com — Read the original article
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