Carlos Baleba finds himself once again at the centre of transfer rumours that refuse to fade prior to yesterday’s Manchester United win against Brighton at Old Trafford. The young Brighton midfielder, who has long been on Manchester United’s radar, inadvertently sparked further speculation surrounding his future with a now-deleted social media post.
Baleba, whose prowess in midfield has drawn admiration across the Premier League, was heavily courted by the Red Devils during the summer window. However, Manchester United’s pursuit was thwarted by Brighton’s hefty £100 million valuation of their star player. Despite not securing an alternative signing, Manchester United have reportedly kept the door ajar for a potential future deal.
The transfer chatter has seemingly weighed on Baleba’s performances for Brighton this season, exacerbated by a knee injury that hampered his start. Nevertheless, recent fixtures have seen a marked improvement from the midfielder, particularly following ‘private talks’ with head coach Fabian Hurzeler, culminating in a standout display against Newcastle in a 2-1 victory.
Baleba featured at Old Trafford, but not before having to navigate the fallout from his playful yet perhaps ill-timed social media antics. The Brighton star posted a cheeky image previewing the match, bearing the caption: “Coming to Old Trafford [laughing emoji],” a nod likely too blatant for the club and its supporters. The post was swiftly deleted, only to be replaced with the image alone, sans caption.
Brighton coach Hurzeler shared insights into Baleba’s transformation on the pitch post his initial wobble and injury woes. Speaking to Sky Sports, Hurzeler praised Baleba’s improved focus and conduct, though he noted the importance of turning these into habitual behaviours for consistent performances.
“I’ve seen a Carlos Baleba who has stepped up,” remarked Hurzeler. “He has shown good actions and behaviours that he must make habitual. That’s the next step in his development.”
Hurzeler emphasised the significance of open communication with the young star. “Maintaining transparency is crucial. Our conversations are regular and candid, and it’s essential for him to understand the areas for improvement through honest feedback.”
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