Carlos Baleba is wanted by Manchester United and Kobbie Mainoo is unhappy at Old Traffordplaceholder image
Carlos Baleba is wanted by Manchester United and Kobbie Mainoo is unhappy at Old Trafford | Getty Images
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Carlos Baleba has never said this publicly, but in all likelihood he probably wanted to go to Manchester United last summer.
The Red Devils tried to sign the Cameroon international late in the previous transfer window but Albion's £100m-plus valuation cooled interest.
The persistent speculation has though impacted Baleba and his performances for Brighton this term have dipped alarmingly.
Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has tried most things. He's encouraged him and given him the chance to play his way back into form. That didn't work. Hurzeler has also been critical of his star man and dropped him from the starting XI.
It’s been a real headscratcher for Hurzeler, his coaches and fans as they try to get him back to the £100m - plus talent that dominated Premier League midfields last season.
Baleba now heads off to the AFCON with Cameroon, no doubt hoping a break away from the Premier League spotlight will do him some good.
"I had a lot of pressure on me," said Baleba after Brighton 2-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield last Saturday.
"I wanted to show the same performances as last season. Every day I try to work hard. Now I have to get through this slightly stressful period, get back on the horse."
Brighton will hope he arrives back in tip-top condition and then help the Seagulls push for Europe in the second half of the campaign. But, what if there was another option?
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo continues to struggle for game time at Ruben Amorim's eighth placed United. Mainoo, who started for England in the Euro 2024 final and won the FA Cup with United, is yet to start in the Premier League this term.
Former United players Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Rio Ferdinand have also voiced concerns with Mainoo's treatment at Old Trafford and feel as though he should leave in order to progress his career.
A January exit for Mainoo is not out of the question. Asked if he would sanction a January loan move if Mainoo came to see him, Amorim said: “First of all, I say the same thing: the team comes first.
“If Kobbie comes to me and talks to me, I will talk to him. I’m not going to say what I’m going to say to Kobbie, but I will be really pleased if Kobbie is coming to talk to me about that.
“I just want my players happy, and I understand that every individual has their goals.
“The frustration doesn’t help anybody but, again, the focus is in this game and we will see if that happens.”
Sussex World verdict
Midfield is an area where Brighton have struggled this season and Mainoo could be a tempting option for the Seagulls - especially as they have a key bargaining chip in Baleba.
Mainoo also fits the profile of a typical Brighton in the fact that he’s young and has bags of potential. Baleba is also clearly wanted by Man United and a swap deal seems to make sense. Also a fresh start could be just the thing for both players. But football is rarely that straightforward and here’s where it could get tricky.
Firstly, Brighton do not like swap deals and like to negotiate individual transfer for individual players. Also, how does each club value each player? Last summer Brighton valued Baleba at Moises Cacido type money, will they get that for him now after his performances this season? And what of Mainoo, his stock has also dropped of late and clubs may be reluctant to pay top money for a player who has been away from the first team most of the season.
A loan looks the best option for Mainoo and that’s something Brighton may not be keen on, Whereas a loan is an unlikely option for Baleba and the club will no doubt want him back and firing after the AFCON so he can help Brighton push for Europe and also increase his value.
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