Manchester United transfer target Carlos Baleba will be staying in Brighton over the international break after being left out of the Cameroon squad.
Carlos Baleba was a top target for Manchester United last summer under Ruben Amorim, although Ineos ended up walking away because of his £100m price tag.
This season, Baleba has struggled for form, and he admitted that he has been affected by transfer rumours with United.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano insists Baleba is still a top target for United in 2026, but the latest warning sent to Ineos was that the 22-year-old was left out of the Cameroon squad.
Carlos Baleba playing against Liverpool
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Carlos Baleba plays for Brighton
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Carlos Baleba left out of Cameroon squad
Earlier this week, Bryan Mbeumo pulled out of the Cameroon squad as a precaution after he suffered a knock against Bournemouth.
But at least the United star was called up to the squad, unlike Baleba, who was left out despite being fully fit.
As quoted by XinhuaNet, Cameroon head coach David Pagou explained his team selection, and it does not reflect well on Baleba.
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“We have chosen players with a high level of positive spirit. We played well during the Africa Cup of Nations and we want to consolidate that by introducing new players. There are great players in our national championships,” Pagou said.
“This competition is important to us, and we want to play well.”
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Man Utd should avoid Carlos Baleba deal
Baleba has struggled this season directly after being linked with United, and that doesn’t bode well.
United need players who can survive the media spotlight and scrutiny at Old Trafford, and there has been nothing about Baleba’s performances this season that suggests he can.
Baleba’s snub from Cameroon is his latest blow, and his manager’s comments seem to question his “positive spirit”.
READ MORE: Man Utd’s Carlos Baleba transfer chase will end in the summer but it has nothing to do with his form
The young midfielder is not in good form and United cannot risk spending a huge fee on a player who could crumble at Old Trafford.
When the likes of Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton are available this summer, United should steer clear of signing Baleba.
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