‘He’s not a machine’ – Brighton manager issues humility warning to Carlos Baleba amid Man Utd interest

Brighton & Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler has urged midfielder Carlos Baleba to ‘stay humble’ as speculation over a possible move to Manchester United continues to swirl.

The 21-year-old has endured a noticeable dip in form since the summer, with Hurzeler admitting that the intense transfer chatter may have unsettled the player.

Baleba, once regarded as one of Brighton’s brightest performers, was heavily courted by United during the recent transfer window.

Reports indicated that Ruben Amorim’s side explored a move but were put off by Brighton’s £100 million-plus valuation.

The Cameroonian midfielder, however, has struggled to recapture the consistency that attracted such lofty figures and was substituted at half-time during the Seagulls’ 2-2 Premier League draw with Tottenham on Saturday, September 20.

Speaking to journalists after the match, Hurzeler offered a candid assessment of the situation, acknowledging that the transfer talk may be weighing on Baleba’s mind.

“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),” he said.

The Brighton manager stressed the need for patience in nurturing young talent.

“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. But then to keep pushing, to be humble, stay here in Brighton, and try to make the next step with the team.”

Hurzeler added that Baleba is still maturing as a professional and must be treated accordingly.

“He’s not a machine that if you click on then he always runs. We need to understand his feelings, his emotions, where he comes from, and that’s our responsibility.”