Carlos Baleba Speaks Out on Manchester United Transfer Rumours After £74m Boost

Carlos Baleba has finally addressed the growing transfer talk linking him with Manchester United, offering a rare moment of honesty about the pressure he has felt this season as speculation around his future continues to swirl.

The Brighton midfielder has been one of the most talked-about young players in the Premier League over the past 18 months. His powerful performances last season quickly put him on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Manchester United emerging as serious admirers during the summer window.

Reports suggested United were considering a huge bid for the Cameroon international, with figures as high as £100 million mentioned. In the end, no deal materialised and Baleba stayed at the Amex Stadium. But the noise never truly went away.

Now, speaking openly, Baleba has explained how the expectations he placed on himself – rather than transfer rumours – have shaped his season so far.

“I put too much pressure on myself”

Baleba has featured regularly for Brighton this campaign, making 15 appearances in all competitions. While he remains a key part of Fabian Hürzeler’s midfield, even the player admits his performances have not always reached the same level as last season.

Asked whether talk of a move to Old Trafford affected him, Baleba told Mirror Sports:

“I don’t think it affected me negatively, but I had a lot of pressure on me. When I started this season, I wanted to show the same performances as last season.”

That desire to immediately hit elite standards may have worked against him.

“Did I put too much pressure on myself? Yes, I think so,” he added. “But I think it’s good. It’s good for me, because now I have to get through this slightly stressful period, get back on the horse and continue working hard.”

It is a refreshingly mature response from a 20-year-old still learning his trade at the top level.

Why United remain interested

Despite the ups and downs, Manchester United’s interest in Baleba has not cooled. In fact, reports suggest it could intensify when the January transfer window opens.

United were keen to strengthen their midfield in the summer but failed to land their priority targets. That left new head coach Ruben Amorim working with largely the same options, an issue that has become more obvious as the season has progressed.

Baleba fits the profile United are targeting. He is young, athletic, press-resistant, and comfortable playing in high-intensity systems. His ability to break lines with carries and recover possession makes him an ideal candidate for a modern midfield rebuild.

Brighton, meanwhile, appear to be softening their stance. While they previously valued Baleba at £100 million, Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri has suggested the club could now listen to offers closer to €85m, around £74.3m. That figure, while still significant, brings the deal closer to reality.

Old Trafford over Bayern?

One detail that will excite United supporters is Baleba’s reported preference for a move to Old Trafford over Bayern Munich. The German giants are also tracking the midfielder as they weigh up their own midfield options, with uncertainty surrounding Leon Goretzka’s long-term future.

United’s project, coupled with the promise of regular Premier League football, is believed to appeal strongly to Baleba. At his age, guaranteed minutes and trust from a manager could be more important than an immediate move to a serial Champions League winner.

United’s midfield domino effect

Baleba is not the only midfielder on United’s shortlist. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is admired, while Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has also been discussed internally, though Forest are expected to resist any January approach.

The outcome of these pursuits could directly affect Kobbie Mainoo’s future. The 20-year-old academy graduate is keen for more consistent playing time and has attracted interest from Napoli. United would prefer a loan move rather than a permanent sale, but failure to strengthen midfield depth could complicate that stance.

In short, Baleba’s situation is tied to a much bigger picture at Old Trafford.

Brighton still key to Baleba’s growth

For now, Baleba remains fully focused on Brighton. The club has a proven record of developing young talent, and the midfielder knows that rediscovering his best form on the south coast is the fastest route to his next big move.

Statistically, his season still shows promise. He continues to rank highly among Brighton players for tackles, interceptions, and ball recoveries per game. The missing piece has been consistency in possession and influence across 90 minutes – areas that often improve with experience.

His honest self-assessment suggests he understands that.

Manchester United host Bournemouth next, knowing a win could lift them to fifth in the Premier League table. Off the pitch, however, attention is already turning to January and the decisions that could shape Amorim’s first full season.

Baleba may not be the finished product yet, but his talent is clear. If United do move, they will be buying potential, resilience, and a player who is already learning how to handle pressure at the highest level.