Manchester City Were Keeping Tabs On This Brighton Midfielder: Should Pep Go Back For Him Next Summer? | OneFootball

Speaking on the Transfers from Paradise podcast, journalist Dean Jones stated that Manchester City were keeping tabs on Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba. Jones said,

“I don’t think he’s gettable right now, in one years’ time he will be and he will join a top four club, that’s how highly he will be regarded. Man City were interested in him and were getting scouts to watch him and keep an eye on it, Tottenham have had a look at it, but it would be too expensive for them.”

Baleba’s Impressive Form In The Premier League

Baleba had a solid campaign with the Seagulls recently after he put in a handful of impressive displays for them at the centre of the park. The Cameroonian talent registered four goals and secured a couple of assists in 40 matches for Brighton last season in multiple competitions.

The 21-year-old anchored the midfield with conviction as he made 79 tackles, 47 blocks and 46 interceptions in the Premier League. He was even tidy when distributing the ball from midfield based on his pass success rate of 87.4% in the English top tier (stats via fbref.com).

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MAY 04: Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Newcastle United FC at Amex Stadium on May 04, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Should Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola Go Back For Baleba Next Summer?

Baleba is a tough-tackling midfielder who can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his team at the centre of the park. He doesn’t mind clearing his lines when the opposition are on the offensive and is a tidy passer of the ball as well.

The Cameroonian whizkid is primarily a holding midfielder but can also fill in as a centre-back or as a box-to-box midfielder if told to do so. He has already gained some valuable experience in the Premier League and won’t take much time to settle into life at the Mancunian club.

Baleba would bring more bite and steel to Man City head coach Pep Guardiola’s midfield department. He has what it takes to challenge for a regular first-team spot at the Etihad Stadium in the coming seasons.

At 21, Baleba has the potential to be a world-class midfielder in English football. Therefore, the Mancunian club would be wise to go back for him next summer if they want to build a strong squad for the future.