Carlos Baleba has explained how he is trying to deal with the constant speculation linking him with a big move from Brighton to Manchester United.
The biggest priority for Manchester United in the 2026 summer transfer window will be revamping the midfield.
Casemiro announced his departure last month, with the experienced Brazilian leaving Old Trafford at the end of the season, despite remaining a constant figure in the line-up under Michael Carrick.
United have been linked with multiple midfielders as a result, including Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
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United’s failed transfer pursuit of Baleba in the summer has led to the Cameroon international being regularly linked with a move to the north west.
It was reported in January that United made another inquiry over Baleba, but Brighton were unwilling to part ways with the 22-year-old.
Carlos Baleba has learned how to deal with transfer speculation
Although Baleba struggled at the beginning of the season, the midfield ace has remained a United target.
Baleba has struggled to replicate the standards he showed for Brighton last term, but he has been slightly better since featuring for Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.
It was suggested that Baleba’s head had been turned or that he was struggling to deal with the pressures that come with being linked with a move to the biggest club in the Premier League.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Baleba has explained how he now feels ‘more relaxed’ after learning to ignore the transfer speculation that surrounds him.
“I feel more relaxed now,” Baleba said.
“The noise about me outside, I didn’t understand. I didn’t look on the websites. I’m more focused on me, myself and for my team-mates.”
There have been setbacks for Baleba since he returned from AFCON. He was taken off just 22 minutes into a recent game against Aston Villa after picking up a yellow card in the opening minutes.
Baleba stressed that he is focused on enjoying his football at Brighton, adding: “All my qualities, I need to improve on that. The most of the qualities I have is I need to enjoy more football, because when I play, I’m so serious that I want to do the right thing or to do the proper thing on the pitch.”
IS Carlos Baleba’s form concerning or do you still want him at Manchester United?🇨🇲
CAN he handle the PRESSURE of playing at Old Trafford after he hasn't coped with the links well?🤔
Brighton keeping Carlos Baleba’s price secret
Although Brighton wanted over £100m for Baleba last summer, it remains to be seen if his poor performances this season lead to a reduction in valuation.
Ben Jacobs has told The United Stand that Brighton are keeping Baleba’s price private until the end of the season.
Jacobs adds that United aren’t worried about Baleba’s current form.
There is a belief that Baleba would have a greater impact at United than he has at Brighton.
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