Carlos Baleba Finally Addresses Man Utd Transfer Links Following Drop in Form for Brighton

Brighton Midfielder Carlos Baleba Speaks Out on Manchester United Speculation and Pressure

For much of the summer, Carlos Baleba found himself at the centre of a familiar modern football storm: big-club interest, eye-watering transfer valuations, and endless speculation about his future. The Brighton midfielder was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, with reports suggesting new head coach Ruben Amorim viewed the Cameroon international as a key piece in reshaping his midfield.

The move never happened. Brighton stood firm. United walked away. And as the season has unfolded, Baleba’s form has dipped just enough for questions to be asked.

Now, for the first time, Baleba has openly addressed whether the Manchester United transfer links played a role in his slower start to the campaign, offering a candid insight into the pressure he placed on himself and the expectations that followed a breakout season on the south coast.

Manchester United’s Summer Interest and Brighton’s Firm Stance

United’s interest in Baleba was no secret. Amorim, keen to inject more athleticism, ball progression, and defensive balance into his midfield, identified the former Lille man as an ideal fit. At just 21, Baleba already looked comfortable at Premier League level last season, combining physical presence with composure in possession.

But Brighton, well known for their tough negotiating position, had no intention of selling cheaply.

Reports suggested the Seagulls were holding out for a fee in the region of £100 million, a figure that immediately cooled United’s enthusiasm. While Amorim admired Baleba’s profile, the club hierarchy ultimately felt that the valuation was too high, particularly given other areas of the squad that also required attention.

United instead focused their resources elsewhere.

United’s Busy Summer Elsewhere

While the Baleba deal stalled, Manchester United were far from inactive. The club moved decisively to bolster their attacking options, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko from Wolves, Brentford, and RB Leipzig respectively. The trio were seen as vital additions to refresh a frontline that had struggled for consistency.

United also addressed their goalkeeping situation. With Andre Onana joining Trabzonspor on loan and Altay Bayindir failing to convince as a reliable alternative, Amorim sanctioned the signing of Senne Lammens from Antwerp.

Yet, despite all that business, the midfield remained an area of concern. Amorim wanted another central option to rotate with and compete against Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro. Baleba fit the bill. The price did not.

Drop in Form Raises Questions at Brighton

Brighton themselves have enjoyed a solid start to the season, but Baleba’s individual performances have drawn scrutiny. After impressing consistently last year, he has struggled to hit the same heights.

Statistically and visually, the change has been noticeable. Baleba has completed the full 90 minutes in a Premier League match only once this season. On four occasions, he has been substituted at half-time—an unusual pattern for a player once seen as undroppable.

Those decisions inevitably fueled talk that the summer transfer saga may have unsettled him.

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler addressed the situation last month, calling for the noise surrounding his midfielder to die down.

Brighton Boss Calls for Calm Amid Transfer Noise

Crystal Palace v Brighton & Hove Albion – Premier League

Hurzeler was careful not to directly blame the Manchester United speculation, but his comments hinted at concern over external distractions.

“It’s about being a Brighton player,” Hurzeler said. “It’s about performing well here and it is about getting him back to his best level. Avoid the noise, avoid all the rumours and focus on the things you can influence and the things you can do best—and that’s football.”

The message was clear: Baleba’s future talk needed to stop, at least temporarily, for him to rediscover his rhythm.

“I Had a Lot of Pressure on Me” – Baleba Breaks His Silence

Speaking to Sky Sports, Baleba finally offered his own perspective. Contrary to some assumptions, he does not believe the Manchester United rumours directly harmed his performances.

“I don’t think it affected me negatively,” Baleba explained. “But I had a lot of pressure on me.”

That pressure, he admitted, came largely from within.

“When I started this season, I wanted to show the same performances as last season,” he said. “Every day I try to work hard and get back to my level.”

Baleba acknowledged that expectations—both external and self-imposed—may have played a role in his struggles.

“Did I put too much pressure on myself? Yes, I think so. But I think it’s good,” he added. “It’s good for me, because now I have to get through this slightly stressful period, get back on the horse and continue working hard.”

It was an honest assessment, one that reflects the mindset of a young player learning to cope with sudden spotlight and scrutiny.

Learning Curve for a Young Midfielder

At 21, Baleba is still navigating the transition from promising talent to established Premier League performer. Last season raised expectations dramatically. This season has tested his resilience.

That, perhaps, is the real story—not Manchester United, not transfer fees, but growth. Football careers rarely progress in straight lines, and Brighton have long prided themselves on developing players through both highs and lows.

Baleba’s comments suggest a player aware of his situation, reflective rather than defensive, and determined to respond positively.

January Window: Manchester United Interest Returns?

Brighton & Hove Albion v Fulham – Premier League

Despite the failed summer move, Baleba’s name has once again surfaced ahead of the January transfer window. United are still keen to strengthen centrally, and the Cameroon international remains admired at Old Trafford.

However, he is far from the only option on Amorim’s list.

Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace is another midfielder United are tracking closely, though competition for his signature is fierce. Elliot Anderson has also been discussed, but Nottingham Forest are expected to resist any January approaches for the England international.

Baleba, who played his final Brighton match on Saturday before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, could find himself back in the spotlight once the window opens.

Midfield Domino Effect and Kobbie Mainoo

United’s midfield plans have wider implications too. The club’s inability to reinforce centrally earlier this year has complicated the situation surrounding Kobbie Mainoo.

The England international is attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Napoli. However, United are reluctant to sanction his departure without first securing a suitable replacement.

In that sense, Baleba remains part of a larger puzzle—one that could shape United’s midfield for years to come.

Focus Shifts Back to the Pitch

For now, though, Baleba’s priority is simple: football. Brighton need him sharp. He needs consistency. And the Africa Cup of Nations offers both a challenge and an opportunity to reset mentally and physically.

As for Manchester United, their immediate attention turns to Monday night’s clash with Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Amorim has overseen two wins in the club’s last three matches, with a draw against West Ham sandwiched between victories over Crystal Palace and Wolves.

Seven points from the last nine have lifted optimism, leaving United just three points off the Champions League places, with a game in hand on fourth-placed Chelsea.

Baleba’s Story Far From Finished

Whether Carlos Baleba eventually ends up at Manchester United remains to be seen. What is clear is that his development is still very much a work in progress.

He has acknowledged the pressure. He has owned his dip in form. And he has shown a willingness to fight through it rather than hide from it.

In modern football, that mindset may prove just as important as any transfer fee or headline-grabbing move.