Brighton’s manager has finally spoken out amid the increasing noise surrounding Carlos Baleba’s future, after speculation soared during their recent clash with Tottenham Hotspur. The midfielder has been heavily linked with Manchester United, who are thought to be leading the chase for his signature, and one incident during the Spurs game only added fuel to the transfer fire.
Baleba was surprisingly withdrawn at half-time, a decision that immediately sent fans and pundits into a frenzy of theories. Many began to question whether the substitution was linked to something more than a tactical call, wondering if it hinted at behind-the-scenes developments regarding his potential move to Old Trafford.
After the final whistle, the Brighton boss addressed the issue head-on. He admitted that he is fully aware of Manchester United’s interest in the young midfielder, noting that the Red Devils’ scouting team have been tracking Baleba for quite some time. The manager also took the opportunity to highlight Baleba’s qualities, pointing to his physical power, maturity beyond his years, and the growing influence he has begun to exert in Brighton’s midfield. He made it clear that the club still considers Baleba an integral part of their plans—at least for the present moment.
Importantly, the coach was quick to dismiss any notions that the player’s withdrawal was linked to disciplinary concerns or underperformance. Instead, he explained that the decision was purely tactical, as he sought to adjust his side’s midfield structure to counter Tottenham’s reshuffle in the middle of the pitch. According to him, the move was entirely about balancing the game, not about punishing or sidelining Baleba.
Nevertheless, the manager acknowledged the reality of the situation: a young talent like Baleba, developing rapidly in the Premier League, will naturally attract attention from bigger clubs with deeper pockets. His rising profile, combined with his potential to grow into a top-tier midfielder, makes him an obvious target for teams like Manchester United who are eager to strengthen their squad.
By choosing to speak openly, the Brighton coach did more than just explain a substitution. His words have only intensified the spotlight on Baleba, turning what could have been a minor talking point into a major transfer narrative. For United, the comments add further intrigue to their ongoing search for midfield reinforcements. For Brighton fans, however, they raise an uncomfortable question: will their promising young star continue to flourish on the south coast, or is he destined to be lured away to Old Trafford in the near future?
At the moment, the player remains a Brighton asset, but the manager’s candor ensures that the speculation around Baleba will continue to grow as the transfer market looms.
