Brighton boss makes Carlos Baleba-Man Utd transfer admission after taking him off at half-time vs Spurs

Brighton’s head coach has openly addressed the growing transfer speculation surrounding midfielder Carlos Baleba, especially amid reports of strong interest from Manchester United, following a night that raised eyebrows for more than one reason.

In a match against Tottenham Hotspur, Baleba was surprisingly withdrawn at the half-time break, a decision that instantly set social media buzzing and left fans wondering if it signaled something deeper than a simple tactical tweak.

Speaking after the game, the Brighton manager acknowledged that he is fully aware of the mounting attention from Old Trafford. He admitted that United’s scouts have been tracking the dynamic young midfielder for some time, praising Baleba’s composure and athleticism while stressing that the player remains a vital part of Brighton’s plans—at least for now.

The coach explained that the substitution was not a disciplinary move but a strategic call based on the flow of the contest, noting that Spurs had adjusted their midfield shape and he wanted fresh legs to counter the change. Still, he didn’t shy away from the reality that Baleba’s talent makes him a natural target for clubs with deeper pockets and grander ambitions.

By candidly discussing both the tactical reasoning and the transfer chatter, the Brighton boss turned what could have been a routine post-match comment into a headline-grabbing revelation. The admission adds another layer of intrigue to United’s ongoing search for midfield reinforcements and leaves Brighton supporters anxiously watching whether their breakout star’s future will continue on the south coast—or soon shift to the Theatre of Dreams.