Carlos Baleba has described joining Manchester United as a dream come true after completing his move from Brighton & Hove Albion.
“Joining Manchester United is an incredible feeling,” Baleba said in his first official interview as a Manchester United player.
The deal is reportedly worth £65m, with a further £5m available in potential add-ons. Baleba has signed a five-year contract with the club, which includes an option to extend the agreement by an additional year.
His arrival at Manchester United represents the latest stage of a career that has taken him from France to the Premier League. The midfielder spent three seasons with Brighton & Hove Albion after moving to England from French Ligue 1 side Lille.
Baleba described the transfer to Manchester United as a major step in his career. He will wear the number 20 shirt at his new club.
The move brings an end to Baleba’s three-season spell with Brighton & Hove Albion, where he established himself before earning the opportunity to join one of the biggest clubs in English football.
Although the transfer fee has been reported rather than officially confirmed in the source material, the agreement is understood to include an initial £65m payment and possible add-ons worth £5m. The contract length gives Manchester United control of Baleba’s future for at least five years, with the option of a further season.
Baleba’s first interview followed the completion of the transfer and marked his introduction as a Manchester United player. His comments focused on the significance of the move and the personal importance of joining the club.
He began his career with Lille in Ligue 1 before crossing the Channel to continue his development with Brighton & Hove Albion. After three seasons with the Seagulls, he has now taken what he regards as a significant step forward by moving to Manchester United.
The number 20 shirt will be Baleba’s first squad number at the club as he starts the next chapter of his career.
