A report from The Independent has confirmed that both Manchester United and Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Brighton's Carlos Baleba, but an analysis of his playing style and mentality is a proof that both clubs would be taking massive if they pay Brighton's asking price of £100m for the player.
Carlos Baleba has become one of the most talked-about young midfielders in the Premier League over the last two seasons. Thus, it's not a shock to see that the Brighton midfielder has been heavily linked with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
There is no doubt that Baleba possesses immense talent and a unique skill set. However, paying a nine-figure transfer fee for the 22-year-old at this stage of his career would represent a huge gamble for either Spurs or Manchester United, especially given his disappointing 2025-26 campaign.
Carlos Baleba Playing Style Analysis
When Baleba first burst onto the scene, many saw shades of Moises Caicedo in his game. Like the Ecuadorian, he combines outstanding athleticism with aggressive ball-winning ability and excellent ball-carrying qualities.
One of Baleba’s biggest strengths is his ability to progress play through midfield. He is extremely comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and driving forward with powerful carries that instantly break opposition lines. His physical profile allows him to cover large spaces, recover possession, and dominate midfield duels.
The Brighton midfielder is also remarkably versatile. He can operate as a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box midfielder, or even in a more advanced role when required. His combination of mobility, strength, and technical quality makes him a rare profile in modern football.
During his breakout campaign, Baleba looked capable of becoming one of Europe’s elite midfielders. His ability to win the ball and immediately transition his team into attack made him one of Brighton’s most dangerous weapons. For a manager like Roberto De Zerbi, who values press resistance and progressive ball carrying, it is easy to understand why a player like Baleba would be so appealing.
However, potential alone cannot justify a £100 million transfer fee.
The Major Concern: His Disappointing 2025-26 Season
The biggest reason why both Tottenham and Manchester United should be cautious is Baleba’s dramatic regression this season.
After a failed move to Manchester United last summer, the midfielder has struggled badly to replicate the level he showed during his breakthrough campaign. His performances have lacked consistency, his influence in games has declined, and he has often looked like a player carrying the disappointment of not securing a bigger move.
Perhaps even more concerning is the mental aspect of his struggles.
Several Brighton performances this season have raised questions about his mentality and ability to handle external pressure. Rather than using the failed transfer as motivation, Baleba appeared to let speculation affect his performances. For a player supposedly destined for one of Europe's biggest clubs, that is a worrying sign.
Top clubs demand resilience. Manchester United and Tottenham operate under constant scrutiny where every poor performance is analysed and criticised. If transfer rumours and a collapsed move can contribute to such a significant drop in form, serious questions have to be asked about whether Baleba is currently ready for that environment.
His reduced influence and periods spent out of Brighton's strongest starting lineup have only strengthened those concerns. A £100 million midfielder should be dominating matches every week, not struggling to maintain his place in the team.
Verdict: Massive Talent, Massive Risk
There is absolutely no denying Baleba’s talent.
The appeal for both Manchester United and Tottenham is obvious. His profile is rare, his physical attributes are elite, and his performances during the previous season suggested he could eventually develop into one of the Premier League’s best midfielders. For a coach like De Zerbi in particular, Baleba’s strengths are perfectly suited to the style of football he wants to implement and the fact he's worked with before is also a major plus.
But football transfers cannot be based purely on potential.
At his current level, Baleba simply has not shown enough consistency to justify a £100 million valuation. His form has declined sharply, his mentality has come under scrutiny, and he is no longer producing the performances that once made him one of the league’s most exciting young midfielders.
There is still every chance that Baleba rediscovers his best form and fulfils his enormous potential in the future. However, spending £100 million, or anything close to it, on a player who is currently struggling for consistency in a mid-table club would be a huge blunder from either Manchester United or Tottenham.
The talent is undeniable, but the risk is simply too high.
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