Carlos Baleba has had a difficult start to the Premier League after being linked with a move to Manchester United during the summer.
Manchester United were busy in the summer transfer market, but Ruben Amorim wasn’t able to strengthen every department in his team.
The focus was on the attacking department, especially at the start of the window, as United signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. The Red Devils also missed out on strikers such as Liam Delap before securing a deal with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko.
Furthermore, United welcomed Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno, and Senne Lammens joined on deadline day. That means the only area of the team that wasn’t bolstered was the midfield department.
There is a gaping hole in central midfield, although United did make an unsuccessful late surge for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, but a deal did not materialise.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano believes a new midfielder is expected to join United in 2026. It remains to be seen if that will be Baleba.
Carlos Baleba playing against Fulham
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Carlos Baleba ‘affected’ by failed Man Utd transfer
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has admitted Baleba is struggling to perform after failing to secure a summer transfer to United.
Baleba, who started Brighton’s opening three games of the new Premier League season, was dropped to the bench against Bournemouth on Saturday.
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Brighton lost the game 2-1 and Baleba replaced 39-year-old James Milner with 24 minutes left on the clock.
Speaking after the defeat at Bournemouth, Hurzeler admitted Baleba has been ‘affected by the noise’ surrounding his future.
“I think it’s normal for a young player when the media creates the noise around him,” Hurzeler told reporters, as quoted by talkSPORT.
“It’s not easy for this player to handle it. Therefore, we need to give him the time and support so he comes back to his best performance.
“It’s our responsibility to help them in the right moments.”
Hurzeler was quizzed further on Baleba when asked if the speculation surrounding United’s interest has affected Baleba.
“I think everyone gets affected, especially when you are that young and you hear these kinds of things, no matter if they are wrong or right.
“But it’s just noise we don’t need.”
Carlos Baleba & Lenny Yoro were teammates at Lille.
Beleba is also an international teammate of Mbeumo.
🤞 the lads are in his ear to push for a move. pic.twitter.com/NheOgcmpxO
— Cantona Collars AKA Larry (@Cantona_Collars) August 7, 2025
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Man Utd must take note of Baleba warning sign
Perhaps Baleba’s head has been turned by United’s interest.
Of course, this wasn’t United’s intention, and they won’t be interested in him next summer unless his performance for Brighton improves.
It’s also a concern that mild transfer speculation can impact a player to such a degree because the pressure he’d face at Old Trafford would be on a completely different level.
This is something United need to consider before making another move for Baleba. They will be watching him closely regardless.
United take on Brighton at Old Trafford next month.