Fabian Hurzeler sends clear message to Carlos Baleba amid Man United interest | OneFootball

Brighton’s Carlos Baleba Faces Crucial Period Amid United Interest

Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler has urged Carlos Baleba to remain grounded as the young midfielder continues to navigate his development under the weight of Manchester United’s summer interest. According to The Mirror, United valued him but postponed a move after Brighton set their price tag at around £100 million.

Baleba was reportedly eager to move, yet he stayed on the south coast. Since then, his season has been inconsistent, with Hurzeler either bringing him on or taking him off in all six of Brighton’s fixtures. Against Bournemouth, the 20-year-old was not named in the starting line-up following the September international break, and half-time substitutions have become a recurring theme, including recent matches against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.

Fitness Struggles and Injury Concerns

The midfielder’s start has been hampered by a knee injury sustained in July that disrupted his pre-season. Hurzeler admitted Baleba is still chasing sharpness. “Everyone has to understand with Carlos, he’s a very young player,” Hurzeler said. “He needs help from us. He tried everything today. He only had 45 minutes in his body, and it’s something that we have to accept.”

This lack of full fitness has left Baleba in a difficult place, balancing expectations with the need for patience in his recovery.

Speculation and Mental Pressure

Beyond the physical side, the mental weight of speculation surrounding Manchester United’s interest cannot be dismissed. Hurzeler acknowledged this challenge, explaining: “It’s all a lot of theory. We can only guess. For sure, when a young boy reads that there’s interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep. Even if he’s not saying, ‘It affects me,’ maybe deep inside of him, there is something that affects him.”

Photo: IMAGO

For Brighton, the task is to ensure Baleba grows without being consumed by transfer noise. Hurzeler emphasised, “It’s even part of the development, to understand when you play well and a big club comes, to keep pushing, and to stay humble, to stay at Brighton and make the next step as a team.”

United’s Long-Term Interest

United are expected to reignite their interest in Baleba in 2026. The sense remains that the midfielder will eventually make a step up, but for now his focus must be on fitness and delivering consistency for Brighton.

As Hurzeler summed up: “And that’s something we have to keep on working with him, and so, therefore, I can’t give you a clear answer if it’s really affected him or not.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Brighton supporter’s perspective, this feels both exciting and concerning. On one hand, the club is developing a midfielder so talented that Manchester United are circling with big-money intent. That reflects Brighton’s excellent recruitment model, turning young prospects into elite assets. Yet the worry is clear: how long can the Seagulls realistically keep hold of Baleba before one of Europe’s giants make a move that even Tony Bloom cannot resist?

Baleba’s injury and fitness struggles underline the need for patience. Rushing him could jeopardise his progress, especially with the physical demands of Premier League football. Fans will want to see him protected and developed, not burned out by expectation. At the same time, there is an understandable frustration when a player who could transform midfield balance is only able to contribute in 45-minute bursts.

The speculation around Manchester United may be unsettling, but it also provides a powerful incentive. Supporters know Baleba has the potential to dominate matches and, if he stays grounded, he can play a pivotal role in Brighton’s push for European football. Losing him in 2026 would be disappointing, but if he develops as hoped, the club could command a record fee that strengthens the squad even further.

For now, the message from the terraces is clear: Brighton fans want to see Baleba fight through this difficult phase, prove his value, and give them two seasons of excellence before any future transfer becomes reality.