'He's not a machine!' - Carlos Baleba's Brighton form affected by Man Utd transfer interest as Fabian Hurzeler warns midfielder to 'be humble'

Baleba's 2025-26 preparations were not helped by a pre-season injury, and in Brighton's 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Saturday, he was taken off at half-time as head coach Hurzeler said the youngster was "tired" and "didn't track back". The German challenged the Cameroon international, who is yet to play a full 90 minutes this term, to "stay humble" after United's interest but called for patience as he is "not a machine".

He told reporters: "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). 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 and that’s something we have to keep on working with him and therefore I can’t give you a clear answer if it’s really affected him or not. But for sure, he’s a young boy and we need to understand he’s not a machine that if you click on then he always runs and off then he stops. We need to understand his feelings, his emotions, where he comes from, and that’s our responsibility."

Baleba is reportedly a top target for United boss Ruben Amorim as he tries to sign an athletic, defensively-minded player who can anchor his midfield. But other big teams, who are more likely to win trophies and qualify for the Champions League, may try and sign him next summer. Alternatively, if he struggles for form, eye-catching transfers elsewhere may be put on hold.

Brighton, who sit 14th in the Premier League, will hope Baleba can find some form again ahead of their third round Carabao Cup trip to League One side Barnsley on Tuesday, before heading to Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.