Carlos Baleba’s move from Brighton & Hove Albion has brought Manchester United’s midfield rebuild to a close, at least on paper. The 22-year-old was already a familiar target to supporters after United’s interest in him was heavily reported last year, but Brighton’s valuation dropped sharply after a difficult 2025-26 campaign. What once looked like a potential $136.4 million (£100 million) move has ended at $88.7 million (£65 million).

There were reasons for the downturn. Baleba’s year was affected by transfer noise and what Cameroon manager David Pagou described as “family problems”. United will be hoping the midfielder who impressed so strongly in the Premier League two seasons ago returns, because Michael Carrick still wanted more steel in the centre of the pitch despite the additions already made this summer. Their season opener underlined that point, with United being ”mauled by the Tigers” at Hull City.

One clear beneficiary is Youri Tielemans, whose $47.7 million release clause was triggered by United earlier in the window. His passing range, composure and creativity should help the team’s progression and eventually ease Bruno Fernandes’ burden. Yet Tielemans also has obvious limitations athletically, and Baleba appears tailored to cover that gap. The Cameroonian is effective in transition, quick across the ground and strong without the ball. Opta recorded him at 34.5 km/h in 2024-25, the 10th highest among nominal defensive and central midfielders.

Kobbie Mainoo may feel the squeeze in terms of competition, but he is still expected to play a major role. After a delayed start to the campaign, he is working back into rhythm following a summer in which he did not feature in preseason and played only 19 minutes at Hull. Carrick values him highly, though Baleba could prove an ideal partner by masking some of Mainoo’s defensive inexperience.

Andrey Santos is another midfielder whose role may be affected. Baleba shares several traits with him, though Santos brings greater assurance in build-up play. Still, the recruitment leaves Carrick with far more solutions, and more pressure to use them well. United are back in the Champions League, and their midfield now looks better equipped for the demands ahead.

Manchester United have completed their fourth first-team signing of the summer by bringing in Carlos Baleba, following Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow to Old Trafford.

The midfielder has signed a contract through the summer of 2031, with the club holding an option for an additional year. He is available for selection immediately and could make his debut at home to Ipswich Town on Saturday, though that remains uncertain after an ankle injury kept him out of Brighton’s preseason and their Premier League opener against Aston Villa. His last appearance came against United on May 24, so his match sharpness is in question.

United still needed a clearer answer in midfield despite already landing Santos and Tielemans, both of whom started the opening Premier League defeat to Hull City. With Casemiro gone, the squad had lacked a true like-for-like alternative. Baleba offers something different: an athletic, disruptive presence who should restore balance to the centre of the pitch.

Depth has also improved. Michael Carrick now has five options for two central midfield places in Baleba, Santos, Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo and Tyler Fletcher. In the second half of last season, Casemiro and Mainoo played almost every minute together, while Manuel Ugarte provided the main cover before his injury.

Reports indicate United will pay $88.7 million (£65 million) up front, with a further $6.8 million (£5 million) in conditional add-ons. That would take the full value to $95.5 million (£70 million), making Baleba the seventh-most expensive signing in club history.

That figure looks very different from the price Brighton set when United first showed interest a year ago. At the time, Baleba was coming off a breakout season and Brighton were asking for about $136.4 million (£100 million). At that level, he would have overtaken Paul Pogba as the club’s record signing rather than arriving just ahead of Benjamin Šeško.

United have also avoided matching the heavy spending seen elsewhere, and the decision not to force a move for Baleba last summer now appears well judged. With the transfer window closing on Sept. 1, the midfield rebuild is complete, but there are still other areas that need attention.

Left back remains short on cover. Luke Shaw played every Premier League match last season, which was manageable when the campaign was limited to 40 games. That burden will increase in 2026-27, and with Patrick Dorgu mainly seen as a winger, support is still required. Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall would have been an ideal fit, but Matthias Jaissle has said there is “no chance” he will be sold.

Manchester City have emerged as a surprise suitor for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, with reports suggesting the move would be far from straightforward. One assessment has already described any possible deal as “problematic.”

The interest adds another layer to what has been a restless summer around the Dutch forward. Liverpool’s own recruitment in wide areas has suggested there were already reservations about their attacking depth, even before City entered the picture. That stance could now be tested.

According to The Times, City have already contacted Gakpo’s representatives. There have been no talks with Liverpool at this stage, but the interest is believed to be genuine. City are understood to view the 27-year-old as potential cover for Erling Haaland, even though Gakpo is a natural left winger and has struggled when used centrally for Liverpool.

City’s plans elsewhere complicate the picture. A replacement for the Tottenham-bound Sávio is already said to be taking shape in Palmeiras forward Allan Elias, while Omar Marmoush is also expected to move on this summer. That would leave the new-look City side lighter in attack, which helps explain why Gakpo has entered the conversation.

For Liverpool, any sale would depend on suitable replacements arriving first. The Athletic have said it would be “inconceivable” for Liverpool to allow Gakpo to leave unless two more wingers are signed. Their targets remain familiar: Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Yankuba Minteh have all been linked, with Rio Ngumoha potentially benefitting if a left-sided slot opens up more regularly.

But there is a major obstacle. Liverpool’s valuations and the asking prices are still too far apart, and neither Paris Saint-Germain nor Brighton are under pressure to sell. Unless Liverpool raise their spending, replacement business may not happen.

That leaves Liverpool in a strong position. Gakpo has four years left on a contract signed last August, and The Athletic believe City would need to pay more than $102.3 million (£75 million) to secure him, especially with the added cost of taking a player from a direct rival.