Man Utd Target Receives Shocking Reality Check as Transfer Dreams Heat Up

Brighton & Hove Albion boss Fabian Hürzeler has acknowledged that midfielder Carlos Baleba might have been impacted by summer transfer speculation linking him with Manchester United.

While the Red Devils were investing heavily in attacking reinforcements—with Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško and Bryan Mbeumo costing over £200 million ($269.5 million)—they were simultaneously pursuing a new central midfielder, with Baleba quickly becoming their primary objective.

United's pursuit of the 21-year-old was intense but disappeared after approximately one week, when Old Trafford executives realized Brighton's valuation exceeding £100 million was far beyond their budget in a transfer window featuring such substantial expenditure elsewhere. Sources suggest United will renew their interest in Baleba during 2026.

Following United's reported interest, Baleba has faced heightened examination after an underwhelming campaign start. Though a knee problem has hindered the Cameroon star's fitness progress, Baleba has also faced criticism for allegedly losing concentration due to United's attention.

"Everyone must recognize that Carlos is still a very young talent," Hürzeler commented after substituting Baleba during the second half of the weekend's 2–2 stalemate with Tottenham Hotspur. "He requires our support.

"We can only speculate [whether United's pursuit has influenced him]. Certainly, when a young player discovers there's interest from Manchester United with a substantial, substantial bid, it could impact him profoundly.

"Even if he's not admitting, 'It influences me,' perhaps deep within him, there is something that impacts him.

"It's also part of his growth, to learn when you perform excellently and a major club approaches, to continue striving, and to remain grounded, to stay at Brighton and progress as a collective. And that's something we must continue developing with him, and therefore, I cannot provide you a definitive answer whether it's truly influenced him or not."

While Baleba has been identified as the preferred target of United manager Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils have been connected with numerous alternatives, with multiple reports highlighting Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace as a player with significant support within Old Trafford.

United's latest financial statements, which featured record earnings, have increased optimism that a high-value midfielder could soon join the roster, with scouts currently evaluating whether Baleba will remain the primary target when the January transfer market reopens.