Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hürzeler has conceded that intense summer transfer speculation surrounding the Man Utd Baleba transfer may have had a ‘deep’ impact on the young midfielder’s slow start to the season. Baleba was a prime target for the Red Devils during a window where they were actively seeking a top-tier midfielder to bolster their squad.
While Manchester United ultimately focused on spending heavily on their forward line, their interest in the 21-year-old was strong. However, the pursuit faded after it became clear that Brighton‘s asking price, reportedly over £100 million, was beyond their reach for the summer. Since then, Baleba, who has also been recovering from a knee injury, has faced scrutiny over his early-season form, with some suggesting the attention from Old Trafford caused a loss of focus.
Hürzeler’s honest assessment
The Brighton manager addressed the situation after substituting Baleba midway through the weekend’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. “Everyone has to understand with Carlos, he’s a very young player,” Hürzeler said. “He needs help from us.”
When asked directly if the United interest had an impact, the manager was candid. “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.”
Hürzeler framed the situation as a crucial part of the player’s growth. “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 ongoing midfield search
Reports suggest that United will reignite their pursuit of Baleba in 2026. The club’s recent financial reports, which included record-breaking revenues, have fueled speculation that a big-money midfielder could be targeted as soon as the January transfer window. Scouts are now tasked with determining if Baleba remains the top target, or if they will pivot to alternatives like Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
Hürzeler’s comments offer a rare and candid insight into the human side of the transfer market. While Brighton have become masters of player trading, the psychological toll on young talents like Baleba is a significant variable that can impact performances on the pitch.