Brighton’s Coach Blasts Man Utd Amid Baleba’s Poor Form
Hürzeler Admits Manchester United Links May Be Affecting Baleba’s Form
Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hürzeler has openly acknowledged that the intense transfer speculation linking midfielder Carlos Baleba with a move to Manchester United could be impacting the young player’s recent performances.
Baleba, a standout for the Seagulls last season, has had a mixed start to the new campaign, failing to complete a full 90 minutes and being substituted at halftime during a recent 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
The 21-year-old was reportedly the subject of an approach from Manchester United over the summer, although Brighton held firm and a formal bid was never submitted.
Hürzeler, speaking to the media, defended his player, stating that Baleba is “not a machine” and that it’s natural for a young player to be unsettled by such high-profile interest.
“For sure when a young boy reads there is interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep, deep down,” Hürzeler said. “That’s also part of the development, to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer, there comes a big club who wants to have him.”
He added that the club’s responsibility is to help the Cameroon international “keep pushing, to be humble, stay here in Brighton, and try to make the next step with the team.”
The Brighton boss’s comments come as Baleba has struggled to replicate the form that earned him the club’s Young Player of the Season award last year. While Hürzeler admitted he couldn’t give a “clear answer” on the exact impact of the transfer saga, he emphasized the need for patience and support.
“We need to understand his feelings, his emotions, where he comes from, and that’s our responsibility,” Hürzeler stated. “He’s not in his best shape. You need to give the boy the game time he needs to develop, to get back into his shape. We need to take care of his health.”
The Seagulls are currently sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table after a difficult start, and Baleba’s form is a key concern for the club. With Manchester United reportedly still keen on the midfielder and expected to reignite their interest, the situation continues to hang over the club and its promising young star.
