Manchester United had a strong interest in Carlos Valleva this summer as they were looking for a new No. 6, but withdrew from talks after it was reportedly postponed to Brighton’s £115 million asking price
Brighton boss Fabian Hazeler admits that midfielder Carlos Valleva was “impacted by noise” around his failed move to Manchester United.
Valeva was strongly linked to the move to Old Trafford during the summer transfer, becoming one of United’s top targets as Reuben Amorim sought a new No. 6 to play alongside Bruno Fernandez in the middle.
However, United were postponed to Brighton’s reported valuation of £115 million and moved to other targets, but ultimately failed to bring in the defensive midfielder they wanted.
Hurzeler claimed that Baleba was not sold and that he was convinced that his predictions were realized, but not without results. The 21-year-old was put on the bench after a 2-1 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday and instead came off the bench.
The German coach said Valeva was emotionally influenced by the speculation surrounding his move towards United, and “sometimes young players don’t have the face we want to see.”
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“I think it’s normal for younger players when the media creates noise around him,” the Brighton boss said.
“It’s not easy for this player to handle it, so we need to give him time and support so that he comes back to his best performance.
“But he’s a young player and I think that’s something we have to accept. Young players don’t always have the face we want to see.” It’s our responsibility to help them in the right moment.
“I think everyone will be affected, especially when you’re such a young person and hear these kinds of things, whether they’re wrong or right. But that’s a noise we don’t need.”
Hazeler was speaking after Valeva played the final 24 minutes after the Brighton side was defeated by Cherry.
It was the first time Baleba has started a Premier League match this season. He has played a total of 200 minutes on the 2025-26 top flights so far, and has been a key player for the Seagulls since his arrival in 2023.
He played 82 times for the club, scored four goals and became the latest midfield sign to sign the Brighton star after Yves Bissouma, Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister.
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