Carlos Baleba Breaks Silence on Explosive Man Utd Transfer Links
Brighton & Hove Albion's midfield player Carlos Baleba acknowledged that persistent speculation linking him to Manchester United has generated "significant pressure" that has aligned with his disappointing displays this campaign.
The 21-year-old Cameroon star was heavily rumored to join Old Trafford during the previous summer window. Discussions allegedly took place before Brighton established a valuation exceeding £100 million ($133.5 million) for a player secured on a deal running through 2028. United were compelled to withdraw their interest.
The consequences of this highly publicized transfer speculation were significant. Following his emergence as among Europe's finest defensive midfielders last season, Baleba has consistently challenged Fabian Hürzeler's confidence this campaign. The German manager has chosen to keep his increasingly inconsistent player on the field for complete 90-minute periods in only one of Brighton's 16 Premier League matches this term.
Baleba initially sought to reject claims that his declining form stemmed from distraction. "I don't believe it influenced me," he stated to Sky Sports News following another mixed performance in Saturday's 2–0 loss to Liverpool.
Nevertheless, the young midfielder was willing to acknowledge that such speculation brought heightened expectations. "There was significant pressure on me," he admitted.
"At the season's start, I aimed to replicate last season's displays. Daily I strive to work diligently and return to my standard.
"Did I place excessive pressure on myself? Absolutely, I believe so, but I consider that beneficial. It's positive for me because now I must overcome this pressure period and rise up while continuing my efforts."
Man Utd's Midfield Targets Not Limited to Baleba
United eventually chose to redirect their available summer funds toward attacking reinforcements, investing approximately £200 million on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško. However, the requirement for a new central midfielder remains pressing. Whether Baleba continues atop that priority list is questionable.
While Brighton's No. 17's development has declined, Elliot Anderson has experienced a remarkable ascent. Now considered arguably Thomas Tuchel's most trusted England selection, the adaptable playmaker has shown proficiency across multiple positions, displaying the tactical intelligence essential for midfielders in Ruben Amorim's complex system.
Any midfield addition would presumably help reduce the burden on the more defensively oriented Casemiro—whose contract expires next summer—while Adam Wharton possesses experience functioning within a 3-4-2-1 formation at Crystal Palace.
Atalanta's dynamic Éderson certainly possesses the stamina to compensate for the reduced numbers Amorim's double-pivot approach creates and would cost considerably less than Baleba, Anderson or Wharton.