Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba has admitted that ongoing transfer rumors involving Manchester United have increased the pressure on him, something he feels has impacted his displays this season.
The 21-year-old Cameroon international established himself as one of Europe’s defensive midfielders in the previous season and was strongly connected with a transfer to Old Trafford last summer. Nevertheless, Brighton remained resolute, allegedly valuing the midfielder at over £100 million with a contract extending until 2028, and United was to halt their pursuit.
Although Baleba first rejected suggestions that rumors about his future impacted his performance, he eventually acknowledged that the burden of expectation had an effect. After Brighton’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool, the midfielder confessed that he placed pressure on himself to match the level he achieved last season.
“There was a deal of pressure on me, ” Baleba explained. “I aimed for the level of performance, as last season. Did I stress myself out much? Yes, I believe that’s true. It benefits me because now I have to overcome it and keep pushing forward.”
Baleba’s dip in form has been evident in his involvement under head coach Fabian Hürzeler as the Brighton manager has given him a full 90 minutes once in 16 Premier League matches this season.
Manchester United still wants to add strength to its midfield in the near future. With other targets emerging across Europe, it remains unclear whether Baleba is still central to United’s long-term plans as he works to rediscover his best form on the south coast.
