OFFICIAL: Manchester United Complete £40m Signing of Dutch Striker as Rebuild Gains Momentum — Carlos Baleba Now in Midfield SightsManchester United have officially confirmed the signing of a highly rated Dutch striker in a deal worth £40 million, as the club begins its long-anticipated summer rebuild under newly appointed manager Rúben Amorim.
The forward, whose arrival has been celebrated by fans and widely discussed in the media, has landed in Manchester for his official unveiling and has been handed one of the club’s most iconic shirt numbers — a signal of the faith United has placed in his immediate and long-term potential.
This signing marks a pivotal step in the overhaul of a squad that underperformed in the 2024/25 campaign, particularly in attack.
After struggling for consistency and firepower up front, United appear determined to reshape their offensive lineup.Ambitious Attacking Plans: More Signings in the PipelineUnited are not finished yet.
With the addition of the Dutch striker complete, the club has moved aggressively to secure further reinforcements. Talks are ongoing for Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers, while a formal bid has been lodged for Bryan Mbeumo, the versatile attacker from Brentford known for his creativity, movement, and ability to play across the front line.In addition, United are maintaining active negotiations with Sporting CP for Viktor Gyökeres, the powerful Swedish-born striker who has emerged as one of the most consistent goal scorers in Europe.
Admired for his strength, pressing intensity, and finishing, Gyökeres would add a different dimension to Amorim’s attacking strategy.Carlos Baleba Identified as Key Midfield TargetWhile much of the early focus this summer has been on the forward line, Manchester United are equally committed to strengthening their midfield options.
A standout name now high on their radar is Carlos Baleba, the dynamic 21-year-old midfielder currently at Brighton & Hove Albion.Baleba enjoyed an impressive debut Premier League season after joining Brighton in 2023.
Appearing in 34 league matches, he contributed three goals and one assist. More importantly, he displayed qualities that go beyond statistics — defensive intelligence, tactical discipline, and powerful ball-carrying ability.
His performance in Brighton’s memorable victory over Manchester City captured widespread attention. On that day, Baleba’s ability to control tempo, recover possession, and bypass pressure with forward runs showed exactly why top clubs across Europe have taken notice.How Baleba Fits United’s Tactical VisionUnited’s interest in Baleba is not merely based on raw potential — it’s about tactical compatibility.
Under Amorim, a manager known for his high-energy, pressing systems and midfield balance, Baleba could thrive. His ability to operate in a double pivot, particularly alongside a ball-winner like Manuel Ugarte, makes him a strong candidate to anchor United’s midfield for years to come.
While Ugarte, who also recently joined United, offers defensive bite and aggression, Baleba brings progressive qualities.
He ranks among the Premier League’s top seven midfielders for possession recoveries per 90 minutes (6.5) and is in the top four for progressive carries, surpassing several more experienced players in both metrics.Whether used as a partner to Kobbie Mainoo, a long-term successor to Casemiro, or a rotation option with Ugarte, Baleba offers versatility, physicality, and distribution — exactly what United have lacked at times in recent seasons.Although still developing and occasionally prone to overcommitting in duels, Baleba’s ceiling is considered extremely high.
With proper coaching and a defined role, he could become a cornerstone of United’s midfield for the next generation.Transfer Outlook and ValuationFrom a financial standpoint, Baleba’s market value is estimated at around €40 million, though Brighton are expected to demand significantly more.
The club has developed a reputation for extracting maximum value from its top talents, and United are well aware they will need to negotiate firmly.However, under the new leadership structure — with Sir Jim Ratcliffe guiding the club’s direction and Dan Ashworth overseeing recruitment — United have signaled a willingness to invest in Premier League-proven youth.
The approach mirrors previous pursuits of young elite talents such as Leny Yoro, where United were prepared to exceed valuations to secure players they consider pivotal for the future.
Conclusion: United’s Rebuild AcceleratesWith the Dutch striker now officially on board and plans well underway to reinforce the frontline further, attention is shifting toward the midfield. Carlos Baleba represents the kind of intelligent, high-upside signing that could transform United’s core in the seasons to come.
As Amorim’s first full window unfolds, the club appears more decisive and ambitious than it has been in recent years — building a team not only capable of climbing back into the top four but structured for sustained success..
