Manchester United were very busy in the transfer market earlier this summer after finishing 15th in the Premier League last season. They were also allegedly linked to Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, but a deal failed to materialize.
And now, Baleba has revealed how last summer’s transfer rumors have affected him.
Baleba Opens Up on Manchester United Links
Earlier this Sunday, Baleba claimed that he felt under pressure after being linked with a club of Manchester United’s stature ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 season.
“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,” the 21-year-old Cameroon international said (via Centre Devils).
Baleba continued, “Every day I try to work hard and get back to my level. Did I put too much pressure on myself? Yes, I think so, 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.”
Baleba, a technically gifted ball-winning midfielder, was reportedly being touted for a $134 million move to Manchester United earlier in the summer. However, he ended up staying at Brighton and has started 16 of his 19Â overall club appearances this season.
Since leaving Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille in the summer of 2023, Baleba has found the back of the net four times in 96 matches across all competitions for the Seagulls. He has also laid out two assists for his Brighton teammates so far.
READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand Called Out By Jamie Carragher For ‘Silence’
Nani Predicts Manchester United’s Premier League Season
Former Manchester United star Nani has stated that his former team could secure a top four finish in the Premier League this season. He also clarified that Ruben Amorim’s club need to be more consistent with their performances.
“I think it’s possible to finish up in the top four, but we must be very consistent in our games. The way we play, the way we win, it doesn’t matter. We need to win every single game; it doesn’t matter how we do it. The most important thing is to win, gain the confidence and keep it going,” Nani said (via The Sun).
Manchester United are currently in eighth place in the Premier League table with 25 points from 15 league games. They will next face Bournemouth in a league encounter on Monday, Dec. 15.
