‘He’s Not a Machine!’ – Carlos Baleba’s Brighton Form Affected by Man Utd Transfer Interest as Fabian Hurzeler Warns Midfielder to ‘Be Humble’

Brighton Starlet Struggling Amid Manchester United Transfer Links

Football has always had a way of testing young players, and Carlos Baleba is quickly discovering just how heavy the spotlight can become. Once praised as the next big thing in Brighton’s midfield, the 21-year-old has endured a stuttering start to the 2025-26 season.

His struggles are no great mystery. Manchester United’s interest over the summer turned the Cameroonian into a headline name across Europe. Reports of a potential £115 million move made him one of the most talked-about players in the transfer market. But once the dust settled and the deal failed to materialise, Baleba was left with the unenviable task of rediscovering his form, composure, and focus in the unforgiving Premier League.

Fabian Hurzeler Admits Transfer Talk Has Impacted Baleba

Brighton’s innovative young manager, Fabian Hurzeler, didn’t shy away from the issue when quizzed after the Seagulls’ 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Saturday. Baleba had been withdrawn at half-time, with Hurzeler openly admitting his midfielder had looked “tired” and failed to track back defensively.

“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,” Hurzeler explained. “That’s part of the development. When you play well, the big offers come, the big clubs want you. But then the key is to keep pushing, to be humble, stay here in Brighton, and try to make the next step with the team. He’s not a machine. We need to understand his feelings, his emotions, where he comes from. That’s our responsibility.”

Those words, both protective and challenging, highlight the delicate balance Brighton are trying to strike with Baleba. They know he has the raw talent to play for a club like United, but they also know he is far from the finished product.

Baleba’s Rocky Start to the Season

Fabian Hurzeler Brighton 2024

Baleba’s pre-season preparations were already compromised by a frustrating injury, which left him short of rhythm heading into August. Since then, he has yet to complete a full 90 minutes, often fading in games or looking hesitant in possession.

Against Tottenham, his lack of defensive discipline became a clear problem. Spurs found joy driving through Brighton’s midfield, forcing Hurzeler to act. The decision to substitute him at the break wasn’t just tactical; it was a message. Baleba cannot ride on hype alone. He must earn his place through hard work, humility, and consistency.

United’s Interest Still Looms Large

The story doesn’t end here. United, led by new boss Ruben Amorim, remain keen admirers of Baleba. Amorim reportedly sees him as the perfect defensive anchor — an athletic, combative midfielder capable of bringing balance to his system.

Yet, Amorim isn’t the only one watching. Sources suggest both Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are monitoring Baleba’s development, while Saudi Pro League clubs are never far away with their financial muscle. For Brighton, this is both a blessing and a curse. His potential resale value could be astronomical, but the distractions of constant speculation risk destabilising the player and, by extension, the team.

Hurzeler’s Challenge: Nurturing Talent Without Losing the Team

Brighton have made a reputation for developing young players and selling them for huge profits. But in Baleba’s case, Hurzeler faces a unique test. The German coach must protect a player whose head has been turned, while also keeping the dressing room together during a tough start to the season.

Currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, Brighton have lacked the cohesion and spark that defined them in recent years. Hurzeler, still in his early days as a Premier League manager, must find a way to stabilise results without stifling the growth of his brightest prospect.

His words about humility were telling. Hurzeler knows talent alone won’t carry Baleba to the next level. It will take resilience, focus, and a willingness to learn. “Stay humble” wasn’t just a warning — it was a demand.

Baleba’s Mental Battle

For all the physical demands of the Premier League, Baleba’s real battle may be psychological. Being linked with United for £115 million is flattering, but it also creates unrealistic expectations. Fans and pundits expect him to dominate games every week, while his teammates look to him for leadership he may not yet be ready to provide.

The danger, of course, is that the noise around his future overwhelms him. Some players thrive under transfer speculation, using it as fuel. Others shrink under the pressure. At 21, Baleba’s reaction will determine whether he fulfils his potential or becomes another cautionary tale.

Brighton’s Short-Term Fixtures: A Test of Character

Brighton & Hove Albion v Fulham – Premier League

Brighton’s immediate schedule offers both opportunities and risks. They travel to Barnsley in the Carabao Cup — a game Hurzeler may use to give Baleba minutes in a less pressured environment. Then comes a daunting Premier League trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.

These matches will test not just Baleba’s form, but his mentality. Can he respond to criticism by raising his level, or will he continue to drift? Brighton’s season may well hinge on his answer.

United’s Perspective: Wait or Move On?

For Manchester United, the question is whether to press ahead with another move for Baleba next summer or seek alternatives. Amorim wants an athletic, disciplined midfielder to anchor his side, but United cannot afford to gamble on inconsistency.

If Baleba finds his groove, United may revive their interest — perhaps at a lower price if Brighton’s bargaining position weakens. If he continues to struggle, the Red Devils could simply move on to more reliable targets. Either way, Baleba’s performances over the next six months will go a long way toward shaping his future.

Conclusion: Not a Machine, but a Young Man Learning

Fabian Hurzeler’s words may resonate more than he realises: “He’s not a machine.” It’s easy to forget that behind the transfer gossip and staggering price tags is a young man still adjusting to life in the Premier League.

Carlos Baleba is learning on the job, under the brightest lights, with his every misstep magnified. His raw ability is clear, but football’s history is full of players with potential who never quite made the leap. The challenge now is to ensure Baleba doesn’t become one of them.

For Brighton fans, patience will be tested. For United, temptation will linger. And for Baleba himself, the journey has only just begun. Humility, focus, and resilience — not hype — will decide where it ends.