OFFICIAL: Manchester United Confirm Signing of £40m Dutch Striker as Rebuild Takes Shape – Club Also Eyeing Brighton’s Carlos Baleba to Bolster Midfield
Manchester United have officially completed the signing of a £40 million-rated Dutch striker, who has now arrived in Manchester for his unveiling.
The club has handed him a legendary shirt number, showing the confidence they have in his potential to make an instant impact.
Fans have been celebrating the long-awaited attacking addition, and rightly so—it marks the beginning of what looks to be an aggressive summer rebuild under Rúben Amorim.
But United aren’t stopping there. With an urgent desire to improve their attacking options following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign in front of goal, the Red Devils have also moved for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ forward Matheus Cunha, while a bid has reportedly been submitted for Brentford’s versatile attacker Bryan Mbeumo.
Talks are ongoing with Sporting CP for Swedish-born striker Viktor Gyokeres, a powerful No. 9 admired for his goal-scoring consistency and physical style.
While the attack has been the primary focus so far, Manchester United are also exploring ways to add more balance and depth to the midfield. One of the standout targets is Brighton’s rising star Carlos Baleba.
The 21-year-old Cameroonian midfielder has quietly become one of the Premier League’s most complete young players, impressing in his debut season after arriving at Brighton in 2023.
Baleba featured in 34 league games last season, scoring three times and assisting once.
His standout performance came in Brighton’s thrilling win over Manchester City, where his defensive instincts, line-breaking passes, and strong ball-carrying ability caught the attention of top clubs across Europe.
What sets Baleba apart is his physical dominance and his ability to dictate play—a rare combination for a player his age.
Even though United recently signed Manuel Ugarte, Baleba offers a different profile.
While Ugarte is known for his defensive aggression, Baleba contributes far more when it comes to advancing the ball through midfield.
Statistically, he boasts 6.5 possession recoveries per 90 minutes and ranks among the Premier League’s top seven midfielders in that category.
He’s also one of the top four midfielders for progressive carries per 90, ahead of many big-name stars.
Tactically, Baleba would be a perfect fit in Rúben Amorim’s system. His work rate and ability to cover ground make him a valuable asset.
Whether paired with Ugarte in a double pivot or rotated with Casemiro and Mainoo, Baleba brings mobility, strength, and intelligent distribution.
While he does have areas to improve—like occasionally overcommitting in challenges—he has the raw potential and time to refine his game.
From a transfer strategy perspective, Baleba fits United’s recent philosophy: young, Premier League-proven, and with a high ceiling.
Although Brighton are expected to demand more than his estimated €40 million market value, United have shown in the past—such as with their pursuit of Leny Yoro—that they’re willing to pay a premium for elite youth prospects.
With the Dutch striker secured, the focus now shifts to strengthening the midfield, and Carlos Baleba could be the next exciting piece in Amorim’s puzzle.
