Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba’s AFCON performances have once again sparked transfer debate.
Carlos Baleba’s performances at the Africa Cup of Nations have further elevated his profile, reigniting discussions around his long-term future.
The Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder had been linked with a £100million move to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window after impressing under Fabian Hurzeler in the 2024/25 season.
Although no transfer materialised, former Brighton manager Gus Poyet has since shared his views on Baleba’s development and the timing of any potential move.
AFCON impact with Cameroon
Baleba played a key role in Cameroon’s Round of 16 victory over South Africa at AFCON on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
The midfielder produced a dominant display in the 2-1 win and was named Man of the Match after being involved in both goals, highlighting his growing influence at the international level.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler praised Baleba following the match, saying he was “delighted” with the performance and that the midfielder “looked good, he looked sharper” and was “himself” during the game.
Hürzeler also offered a balanced assessment of Baleba’s tournament as a whole. He stated that there were “some good performances” and “some performances where he can do better”, underlining the importance of consistency.
The Brighton coach added that Baleba “seemed to be happy” and in a “good place” during the competition, which he views as important for the player’s continued development.
Gus Poyet assessment
Poyet echoed the positive view of Baleba’s progress when reflecting on his AFCON performances.
The former Brighton manager said, “He Played well. I’ve seen highlights and he continues to impress me.
He can go further in his career for sure as is super talented. I like the way he plays, his hunger, his ambition and passion on the pitch. He wants to play forward as well which very important too."
When asked about the possibility of a move to Manchester United, Poyet questioned whether it would be the right step at this stage of Baleba’s career.
“Opportunities come and go. Would I go to Man Utd, definitely not.
"Look at the position they are in. They are not the same man utd under Sir Alex.
"They can’t find a way at the minute to progress.
"Changing managers regularly as well. And from a player perspective, they don’t know how long it will take, so for Baleba, he can stay at Brighton.”
Brighton’s model and stability
Poyet’s views are shaped by his experience at Brighton, where he managed the club between 2009 and 2013.
During his time in charge, he led the Seagulls to promotion to the Championship in 2011 and a fourth-place finish in the 2012-13 season
.Discussing Brighton’s current approach, he said, “I think any incomings will depend on if they sell.
"Tony Bloom is a very smart man.
"He knows what they need.
"The Squad is a good size, and they are doing exactly as I expected this season.
"Competing for European places and having a nice cup run.”
Poyet also spoke positively about Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler, whom he met previously in Germany.
“I met him in Germany a while back. He is an amazing person and very polite.
"He was very impressive and gave me a good feeling.
“If I was a player, I would enjoy playing under him as head coach.”
Brighton’s ceiling
While Brighton continue to compete for European qualification, Poyet acknowledged the limitations of the club’s operating model compared to the Premier League’s elite.
“Could Brighton push for more? well if they had McAllister, Pedro, Cucarella and Trossard, then yes, even top four would be doable. That’s why they can’t go higher and extra step, because of how they operate, and there is nothing wrong with that.”
Continue Reading