CAMEROOONONLINE.ORG | Manchester United have taken another major step in rebuilding their midfield after agreeing a deal with Brighton for Carlos Baleba.
The 22-year-old Cameroon international is expected to undergo a medical in Manchester after United agreed an initial fee of £65 million, with another £5 million potentially payable in add-ons. If the transfer is completed, Baleba will become the club’s most expensive signing of the summer.
Baleba would be the third midfielder added to Michael Carrick’s squad during the transfer window, following the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. United have now committed around £148 million to those three midfield signings, underlining how seriously the club is taking the need to rebuild the centre of the team.
As a defensive midfielder, Baleba should bring energy, physical strength and greater protection in front of United’s defence. The club had also shown interest in him last summer, when Brighton’s asking price was considerably higher.
For Carrick, the new-look midfield could become the foundation of his Manchester United side. With Tielemans offering experience and creativity, Santos providing another defensive option and Baleba adding power in the No. 6 role, United appear determined to create a stronger and more balanced spine.
The investment increases expectations, but it also gives Carrick more of the tools he needs to shape the team in his image. The next challenge will be turning an expensive midfield rebuild into consistent performances on the pitch.