Manchester United have officially announced the signing of midfielder Carlos Baleba, ending a lengthy transfer saga, according to Goal.com. The club confirmed the move on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, after the player passed his medical examination.
The announcement follows reports from Indonesian outlet detiksport, which said United had finalized the deal for the Brighton midfielder. Suara Surabaya also reported that Baleba had successfully completed his medical tests and was set to be confirmed as a new United player.
Goal.com described the transfer as a "marathon" negotiation, suggesting the deal took considerable time to complete. The length of the process was a key theme in the coverage leading up to the official announcement.
According to Liputan6.com, Baleba will wear a squad number previously used by a Manchester United legend. The specific number was not detailed in the available reporting, but the choice has drawn attention from fans.
The move strengthens United's midfield options as the club looks to build for the season ahead. Baleba arrives from Brighton, where he established himself as a regular in the Premier League.
In a related development, Goal.com also reports that Manchester United are preparing a £50 million bid for Brighton defender Ferdi Kadioglu. The report suggests the club is moving quickly to add further reinforcements after completing the Baleba signing.
United's activity in the transfer market appears focused on adding both midfield depth and defensive cover. The potential Kadioglu deal would represent another significant investment in the squad.
With Baleba now officially confirmed, attention will turn to whether United can complete the Kadioglu transfer before the window closes. The club's next move will be closely watched by supporters and rivals alike.
