Carlos Baleba has been substituted off by Brighton & Hove Albion in 12 of his 13 Premier League starts which could play a big role in Manchester United’s January transfer plans
Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United after Ruben Amorim’s side attempted to secure a late move in the summer.
Baleba is one of the many United targets to bolster their midfield when the window reopens next month. It’s understood that the position is a matter of priority for Amorim after the £200million outlay on signing Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Senne Lammens.
In August, United made contact with the Seagulls, via intermediaries, to explore the possible conditions for a move. Adam Wharton, Angelo Stiller and Morten Hjulmand were also considered.
The 21-year-old continued to be strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford before United called off their pursuit before the deadline. Brighton’s stance of not wanting to sell the midfielder and their hefty asking price, understood to be over £100million.
When the window opens, United are expected to consider their options, and a move for a new midfielder could be on the cards. It remains to be seen whether Baleba will be available, given that he features regularly for Brighton, but Fabian Hurzeler’s treatment of the midfielder has left more questions than answers.
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The Cameroon international has played 15 Premier League games this season, starting 13 of them. However, he has been subbed in 12 of his starts, with his performances coming under scrutiny in recent weeks. Back in September, Hurzeler admitted that he was concerned the midfielder’s struggles stemmed from interest from United.
“For sure, when a young boy reads there is interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep, deep down,” he said. “That’s also part of the development to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer, there comes a big club who wants to have him.
“But then to keep pushing, to be humble, stay here in Brighton, and try to make the next step with the team and that’s something we have to keep on working with him. I can’t give you a clear answer if it’s really affected him or not. But for sure, he’s a young boy and we need to understand he’s not a machine that if you click on then he always runs and off then he stops.
“We need to understand his feelings, his emotions, where he comes from, and that’s our responsibility.”
After an improved performance in midweek against Aston Villa, Baleba played 60 minutes in Sunday’s draw to West Ham. It’s yet another game where Hurzeler has sacrificed him with Brighton chasing the game.
With the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon, Baleba will soon be unavailable for Brighton. When the January transfer window opens, United will have a compelling case in convincing him to guarantee minutes from the start.
And with how Hurzeler and Brighton have acted since the window slammed shut, there could be the chance of negotiating a deal less than the £100m quoted previously. The chance that the Seagulls boss is growing frustrated by his player’s performance level could work in United’s favour.
2025-12-07 20:12:16
