Carlos Baleba has rapidly become a household name among Premier League followers. The 21-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder is now one of the league’s hottest properties, drawing the gaze of some of the biggest clubs in England. Since arriving from Lille in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of £26million, Baleba has established himself as a commanding presence in Brighton’s engine room, earning plaudits for both his technical prowess and tactical maturity.
Manchester United’s Interest: Transfer Rumours and Realities
The 2025 summer transfer window has been dominated by speculation about Baleba’s future. Manchester United, under head coach Ruben Amorim, are known to have enquired about the Cameroon international. United see Baleba as the ideal addition to inject intensity and ball-winning ability into their midfield, a project close to Amorim’s vision following his appointment at Old Trafford.
However, Brighton have made their position clear. Chief Executive Paul Barber confirmed that United have not made a formal approach, describing current reports as “speculation” and affirming Baleba’s value to the club. Brighton are in no rush to sell, with the player contracted until 2028 and the club issuing a reported £100million valuation, a sum intended to deter suitors. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has noted the player’s openness to a move but underscored that Brighton are not willing sellers this window.
On the Pitch: 2024–25 Premier League Performance
Statistically, Baleba’s performances this season have been eye-catching. Featuring in 34 Premier League matches, with 31 starts, Baleba tallied three goals and one assist. He completed 1,143 passes at a remarkable 87.9% accuracy, demonstrating composure and precision in Brighton’s possession-oriented system. Defensively, he won 199 duels at a rate of 55.4%, made 46 tackles, 46 interceptions, and recorded 197 ball recoveries—making him a cornerstone in disrupting opposition attacks.
Notably, Baleba scored a memorable injury-time winner against West Ham United in April 2025. The thunderous strike from outside the box secured a 3–2 victory for Brighton and earned him the Premier League Goal of the Month award. He was subsequently named Brighton’s Young Player of the Season for 2024–25, underlining his importance to the Seagulls.
Style of Play: Physicality and Tactical Intelligence
Baleba plays predominantly as a deep-lying midfielder, operating both as a shield in front of the defence and as a springboard for attacks. His game is built on anticipation, strength, and advanced reading of play. He frequently intercepts passes and launches quick transitions, favouring high-percentage, purposeful passing over showy risk. Brighton’s coaching staff and UK pundits have praised his maturity, pointing out his ability to adjust positioning and cover ground efficiently.
His ball retention skills and composure have drawn favourable comparisons with former Brighton star Moisés Caicedo (now with Chelsea) and, in terms of duelling power, with Arsenal’s Declan Rice. Despite his youth, Baleba shows considerable leadership, often marshalling teammates and setting the tempo. While not a prolific scorer, he has added goals to his repertoire this season and is confident striking from distance, as evidenced by his West Ham winner.
Origins and International Profile
Born in Douala, Cameroon, in January 2004, Baleba’s journey to the Premier League is one of determination. After progressing through Lille’s ranks, he made the leap to England, quickly adapting to the physical demands of top-tier football. Baleba’s international career is gathering pace, with seven caps for Cameroon since his senior debut in 2024. Although yet to score for his country, his club performances have made him an integral part of the Indomitable Lions’ plans.
Brighton’s Policy: Building, Not Selling
Brighton’s management is renowned for developing young talent and commanding premium fees for their stars. Their transfer strategies in recent seasons—like Joao Pedro’s sale to Chelsea—show a willingness to negotiate for substantial offers. However, with Brighton enjoying a record turnover of £222million in the last campaign and under no financial pressure to sell, the club is determined to keep its best players, at least for another season.
The club’s stability and progressive style of play make it the ideal environment for Baleba’s continued growth. The midfield ace remains central to Brighton’s European ambitions and their drive to establish themselves among the league’s elite.
What Experts Say
UK football experts have consistently highlighted Baleba’s “proactive defensive qualities” and advanced spatial awareness. His ability to break up play and retain possession has been pivotal in Brighton’s midfield dominance, while his measured improvements in attacking output make him increasingly complete.
Brighton fans and the wider UK football community view Baleba not only as a potential outbound superstar but as the embodiment of the club’s shrewd recruitment and coaching systems.
Conclusion
As the 2025/26 season looms, Carlos Baleba stands at a crossroads—key to Brighton’s ambitions but with Europe’s top clubs circling. The immediate focus, both for the player and his suitors, is success at Brighton. With interest at fever pitch and performances improving, Baleba’s reputation is only set to grow.
Whether or not he moves this window, his future will remain one of the Premier League’s top talking points. Brighton’s young midfield dynamo is, for now, very much at home on the South Coast, but the story of Carlos Baleba is just getting started.
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