Manchester United have officially signed Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Balepa.

Manchester United Football Club has officially announced the signing of 22-year-old Cameroonian international midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton.

The two sides signed a long-term contract until June 2031, with Manchester United having an option to extend for another year. Upon completion of the transfer, Balepa will receive the prestigious number 20 jersey for the Red Devils.

As a highly regarded all-around midfielder in the Premier League in recent years, Balepa has demonstrated top potential on both ends of the pitch. In the 2024-25 season, his total tackles and interceptions ranked sixth among Premier League midfielders, and his forward dribbling statistics per 90 minutes ranked fourth.

Last season, Balepa made 31 appearances for Brighton in the Premier League, ranking in the top 1% of the league in second-ball success rate and in the top 8% in overall tackle and interception rating. He was an absolute hero in securing the team's UEFA qualification.

The number 20 jersey that Balepa will wear next season holds special significance in Manchester United's history. From Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who scored the winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final to help his team win the treble, to Robin van Persie, who won the Golden Boot and led his team to the Premier League title in the 2012-13 season, this number has witnessed many legendary moments at Old Trafford.

Many renowned players, including Diogo Dalot, Fabio, and Romero, have worn this jersey. It's worth noting that Balepa chose number 20 when he first joined Brighton in the Premier League, and now he will begin a new chapter in his Manchester United career wearing this classic number.

Image source: Internet