Cameroon's Baleba joins as Man United boost midfield options

Manchester United has bolstered their midfield options by signing Cameroon's Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion, the club announced on Tuesday. The 22-year-old midfielder is the third signing by United during the summer transfer window, following Belgium's Youri Tielemans and Brazil's Andrey Santos. The deal, reportedly valued at £70 million ($95 million), brings United's total spending on midfield reinforcements to over £150 million in the current window. Baleba will join veteran Casemiro at Old Trafford after the end of last season.

The Red Devils had shown interest in Baleba a year ago, despite his £70 million price tag, which Brighton refused, but the club persisted. Baleba's impressive performances in his last two seasons for Brighton, including ranking sixth in tackles and interceptions and fourth in progressive ball carries per 90 minutes, led to his transfer. Baleba expressed his excitement about joining Manchester United, calling it an honor to work with the club's experienced midfield coach, Michael Carrick.