Since arriving at Brighton & Hove Albion, Carlos Baleba has attracted interest from some big Premier League clubs, including Chelsea.
In April, it was claimed that Chelsea were looking at Baleba ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 21-year-old is now being linked with a move to Chelsea‘s Premier League rivals Manchester United.
If the Red Devils do go on to sign him, they will be hoping that he can make the same sort of impact that Moises Caicedo has made at Chelsea. The Ecuadorian has been terrific for the Blues following his arrival from Brighton in 2023.
Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton against Nottingham Forest
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Carlos Baleba played down Moises Caicedo comparisons
Replacing Caicedo at the Amex Stadium after his move to Stamford Bridge, Baleba has often been compared to the Chelsea star.
However, when that was brought up in an interview with Sky Sports last year, the Cameroonian was quick to humbly dismiss the comparisons with Caicedo and others.
“How can they say that I’m better than them?” Baleba said. “I hate comparisons and people comparing me to others. But I guess you can’t stop them from doing it.
“Even if you’re dazzling the fans, you’ve just got to keep a cool head on your shoulders. I prefer working hard and staying concentrated.”
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For former Hoffenheim and Stuttgart manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, Caicedo will become the best No.6 in the world one day.
While Baleba may feel that he is not on Caicedo’s level yet, there is no denying that he is a terrific midfielder.
It is hardly a surprise that United are now interested in him, and if he joins Ruben Amorim’s side, the comparisons with Caicedo will only continue.
You can already imagine the social media debates between United and Chelsea fans about who the superior player is. The latter, though, can point to Baleba’s very own words on the subject and much more.
Moises Caicedo prior to Fluminense FC v Chelsea FC: Semi Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Moises Caicedo still a better tackler than Carlos Baleba
There is probably not a better ball-winner in the Premier League than Caicedo, who averaged three tackles per game in the top flight last season.
Baleba had a lower average of 2.3, but he did do slightly better when it came to interceptions.
Player Games Minutes Tackles per game Interceptions per game Clearances per game Average passes per game Pass success rate
Moises Caicedo 38 3,356 3 1.3 1.4 56.7 90.2%
Carlos Baleba 34 2,674 2.3 1.4 1.3 38.2 87.9%
Via Moises Caicedo’s WhoScored and Carlos Baleba’s WhoScored pages
All in all, though, it is clear to see that Caicedo is the better midfielder. But that is nothing for Baleba to be ashamed about, as there may not actually be anyone who is better than the Ecuador international in the engine room right now.