The club said in a statement that Baleba had joined United, pending completion of his registration, and that the 22-year-old had signed a contract until June 2031, with an option to extend for a further year.

Manchester United did not disclose the transfer fee, although the specialist website Transfermarkt valued the deal at €75.90 million.

Baleba joined Brighton in the summer of 2023 from French club Lille, having moved there in 2022 and made his professional debut the following year.

United described Baleba as one of the Premier League’s most talented midfielders, highlighting his defensive statistics from the 2024-25 season, when he ranked sixth among midfielders for tackles and interceptions combined.

The Cameroon international made 31 Premier League appearances last season and helped Brighton secure qualification for the Conference League after the club finished eighth in the league.

Baleba becomes United’s fourth summer signing, following Dutch midfielder Youri Tielemans, Brazilian midfielder Andre Santos and Welsh goalkeeper Karl Darlow.