Carlos Baleba: Man United ace achieves unique feat following Old Trafford move | OneFootball

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New Manchester United midfielder Carlos Baleba has made history following his much-publicised move to Old Trafford this summer. The Cameroonian was linked with the Red Devils for a long time, and the club finally managed to get a deal across the line this year.

The English giants have invested heavily in midfield this summer, starting the transfer window by securing the services of Andrey Santos from Chelsea. United then managed a coup by prising Youri Tielemans away from Aston Villa in the middle of last month.

The Red Devils were linked with a third midfield signing for a while, with INEOS looking for a combative midfielder to help fill Casemiro’s boots. They finally secured the services of Baleba for the role this week, for a reported £70 million fee.

The Cameroonian’s arrival has generated much-needed positivity among fans, especially after the 2-0 defeat at the hands of Hull City last weekend. It now appears that the 22 year old has also become a part of a little bit of history at the Theatre of Dreams.

Baleba a first in more than a century!

According to United’s website, Baleba is the first senior men’s player to join the club from Brighton & Hove Albion since 1906. The report states: “Carlos Baleba has become Manchester United’s first senior men’s signing from Brighton & Hove Albion since 1906, according to our research.”

Of course, the Red Devils signed Toby Collyer from the Seagulls in 2022. However, the youngster was classified as an Academy transfer because he was just 18 years old at that time.

Baleba, though, is an established name in the Premier League, especially after impressing at the Amex in the 2024/25 campaign. While he was not in his element last season, the Cameroonian’s stock remains high.

Carlos Baleba Stats: 2025/26 Season

The last players to join United from Brighton

The last players to make the move to the Theatre of Dreams from the south-coast club were Frank Buckley and William Yates in 1906. The report continues: “Frank Buckley and William Yates both arrived at Bank Street during the close-season in 1906.”

“Buckley was born in nearby Urmston but started his career at Aston Villa, before joining Brighton and moving on to United. The defender served his country in the First World War and made only three appearances for the club but went on to become a very influential manager.”

“Yates also linked up with Ernest Mangnall’s men and the inside forward also represented Villa before switching to Brighton. Like Buckley, he only played three times for United before heading to Scotland with Hearts. He later represented Portsmouth and Coventry City.”

Final Thoughts

Baleba is set to don the iconic No. 20 shirt for United this season. Fans will now be eager to see him in action, with the player expected to return to full fitness by the end of September.