Manchester United have completed the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion, with further arrivals and departures expected before the summer transfer window closes.
The Cameroon international, 22, joined on a five-year contract, with the club holding an option to extend his stay for another season. The £70m deal fills the void left by Casemiro, who departed at the end of his contract in June.
Baleba eager to work with Carrick
Baleba expressed his enthusiasm about linking up with manager Michael Carrick. "I cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick; his experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me to reach the highest level," he said.
The move comes after United suffered a 2-0 defeat away to newly-promoted Hull City in their opening Premier League fixture on Saturday, raising concerns among some supporters about the squad's ability to compete at the top of the table and in the Champions League this season.
Rashford and Balde transfer updates
Chelsea are reportedly considering a late move for Marcus Rashford, according to The Independent. The Blues would need to decide whether to pay an estimated £40m fee and cover Rashford's reported £300,000-a-week salary. Any potential deal would depend on Chelsea finalising a series of sales, with Aston Villa target Nicolas Jackson among those rumoured to be leaving.
Rashford spent the previous season and a half on loan at Barcelona and Villa but returned to Old Trafford during pre-season. His second-half appearance at Hull marked his first competitive outing for his parent club since December 2024.
Meanwhile, United would need to pay approximately £38.5m to secure Alejandro Balde from Barcelona, according to The Athletic. A temporary arrangement could also be viable. The 22-year-old left-back was omitted from Barcelona's matchday squad for their weekend encounter with Elche.
Manager Hansi Flick said: "I spoke with Alejandro Balde today and said to him that I think you're not here 100%, so it's best that you stay at home and clear your mind. We will talk again tomorrow."
More left-back options and next fixtures
Balde is among several left-backs linked with a United move, alongside Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas, 19. However, a swoop for Newcastle's Lewis Hall appears to have been ruled out for now, with the Magpies stating the 21-year-old England international is not for sale.
United host Ipswich Town at home on Sunday, with more movement in and out of Carrington expected in the coming days.
