Carlos Baleba - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Makes first league start of season Baleba generated one shot (zero on goal) in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Leeds United.

Impact Baleba made his first Premier League start of the season after returning from injury as a substitute against Tottenham in the previous league fixture. The midfielder played 74 minutes against Leeds, attempting one shot and recording one interception before making way for Mason Mount. Across two Premier League appearances this season, he has attempted three shots while contributing two chances created and four interceptions. His return to the starting lineup represents an encouraging step toward rebuilding his match fitness, although competition in central midfield could lead to further rotation.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Lisandro Martinez blasts Man United hierarchy after Champions League loss

Lisandro Martinez added to Manchester United’s troubled start to the season by calling out the club’s hierarchy following a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League

OCTOBER 13 • Associated Press

Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Tottenham: Baleba Makes Red Devils Debut Michael Carrick is expected to hand summer arrival Carlos Baleba his debut for the club this weekend.

OCTOBER 9 • SI.COM

Building fitness through training Baleba (ankle) is improving his fitness after completing extensive training sessions during the international break ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Tottenham, acco...

Impact Baleba continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery from an ankle injury, having recently played his first minutes for Manchester United in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne-Sport. The midfielder had already been fit enough to make the bench against Fulham before the international break, and his increased training workload suggests he is getting closer to full match fitness. However, manager Carrick stopped short of confirming his availability against Tottenham, leaving his involvement uncertain. Once fully fit, Baleba should compete with Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos for minutes in United's midfield.

OCTOBER 9 • ROTOWIRE

Gets first United minutes Baleba (ankle) featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne-Sport on Friday, marking his first minutes for Manchester United since joining the club.

Impact Baleba played his first minutes in a Manchester United shirt during Friday's behind-closed-doors friendly, marking another significant step toward his competitive debut. The midfielder had already progressed enough in his recovery from an ankle injury to make the bench against Fulham before the international break and has continued building his fitness since. He could now push for involvement against Tottenham on Oct. 10 and should compete with Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos for a starting role once fully fit.

OCTOBER 2 • ROTOWIRE

Nearing Manchester United debut Baleba (ankle) is expected to be in contention to start against Tottenham on Oct. 10 as he continues to build his fitness during the international break, according to The Athletic.

Impact Baleba has recovered quicker than initially expected from the ankle injury that has prevented him from making his Manchester United debut, and he was already fit enough to make the bench against Fulham before the break. The midfielder has continued an individual program at Carrington and could also receive minutes in an academy match against Lausanne-Sport before first-team action resumes. Baleba was signed to provide a more natural defensive presence in midfield following Casemiro's departure and should compete with Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos for a starting role once fully fit.

SEPTEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Available off bench Baleba is available off the bench for Sunday's match against Fulham after recovering from an ankle injury.

Impact Baleba is included in a Manchester United matchday squad for the first time since joining the club from Brighton while carrying an ankle injury. His place on the bench puts him in position to make his United debut Sunday, although his workload is likely to be managed following the extended absence. Once fully fit, he should compete for a regular role in central midfield.

SEPTEMBER 20 • ROTOWIRE

Travels with squad to Fulham Baleba travelled with Manchester United ahead of Sunday's trip to Fulham, Steven Railston of the Manchester Evening News reports, putting the midfielder in line for his debut.

Impact ?Baleba has been unavailable since his summer move from Brighton after arriving at Manchester United with an ankle problem, leaving him without a competitive appearance for his new club. Traveling with the squad to London now represents a clear step forward and comes ahead of the timeframe coach Michael Carrick had suggested for the midfielder to be properly ready. His presence in the squad does not guarantee minutes, however, and he is more likely to be eased into action from the bench if he is deemed ready to feature.

SEPTEMBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Will Carlos Baleba play for Man United vs. Fulham? Man United fans hope for positive injury update | Sporting News Carlos Baleba's return would be a welcome tonic for Manchester United after a chastening week.

SEPTEMBER 18 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Could make United debut Baleba could make his Manchester United debut against Fulham on Sunday, though coach Michael Carrick said he is not yet fully cleared: "There is a chance on both really. Not totall...

Impact Baleba remains without a competitive appearance since joining United from Brighton while recovering from an ankle injury. His potential availability Sunday would come earlier than previously expected, as he had initially been targeting a return after the international break. If cleared, Baleba could make his debut before the break and begin competing with Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans for a central midfield role.

SEPTEMBER 18 • ROTOWIRE

Targeting post-break return Baleba (ankle) is expected to return to contention following the October international break and could rejoin team training over the next week, according to coach Michael Carrick....

Impact Baleba has yet to make his Manchester United debut after arriving from Brighton with the ankle injury that has kept him sidelined since the start of the season. His expected return to team training represents another significant step in his recovery, with the home clash against Tottenham following the international break shaping up as a potential first opportunity to feature. Once available, Baleba should compete with Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans for a place in central midfield.

SEPTEMBER 15 • ROTOWIRE

Progressing in recovery Baleba (ankle) has been pictured working in the gym and on the grass at Carrington as he continues his recovery from the injury suffered during pre-season with Brighton, according...

Impact Baleba has yet to make his Manchester United debut after the ankle issue kept him out of all four matches since completing his move from Brighton. His return to individual work on the grass is a positive step, though Michael Carrick has declined to set a firm timetable for his availability. Baleba will likely need to progress back into full team training before being considered for his first appearance, with United expected to remain cautious as he completes his recovery. Once fully fit, Baleba should compete with Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans for a place in central midfield.

SEPTEMBER 14 • ROTOWIRE

Manchester United could be forced to use summer signing in unnatural position this season: Reports Manchester United signed Carlos Baleba to help stabilize the midfield following Casemiro's move to Inter Miami.

SEPTEMBER 2 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

Will Carlos Baleba make his debut for Manchester United against Ipswich? Michael Carrick provides update Manchester United boss Michael Carrick said that midfielder Carlos Baleba - who has been signed on a reported £65 million move from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer - won't make...

AUGUST 28 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

Out several weeks with ankle injury Baleba has a minor ankle issue that could keep him out for a couple to three weeks, according to manager Michael Carrick, per Tyrone Marshall of Manchester Evening News. "He's got...

Impact Baleba made 31 Premier League appearances for Brighton last season without a goal or assist, and this ankle issue further delays his path into the mix after joining Manchester United's midfield this summer alongside Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Once fully fit, he figures to gradually work his way into the rotation alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount, likely sometime in September after the international break.

AUGUST 28 • ROTOWIRE

Expected out weeks after transfer Baleba (ankle) could be sidelined until mid-September as he recovers from the injury he suffered during the offseason period with Brighton, Archie Griggs of The Express reports.

Impact Baleba just recently joined the Red Devils as another midfield addition along with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos to contend with Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount (foot). However, it appears the Cameroonian will need a few weeks to be available for selection, especially considering that he hasn't seen competitive action since May. Once he's fully fit, he'll look to gradually enter the rotation and start accumulating passes and ball recovery stats at some point in September or October.

AUGUST 26 • ROTOWIRE

Fernandes looking forward to linking up with 'young and exciting' Baleba at Man Utd Manchester United's midfield rebuild continued with Carlos Baleba signing, and captain Bruno Fernandes is excited by his new team-mate.

AUGUST 26 • BEINSPORTS.COM

Completes move to United Baleba has signed a five-year contract through the summer of 2031 with Manchester United from Brighton, the club announced.

Impact Baleba becomes United's third central midfield addition of the summer, following Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea, as manager Michael Carrick continues to rebuild the engine room. He joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and quickly developed into one of the Premier League's most sought-after young midfielders, prized for his athleticism, ball-carrying, and defensive coverage, attributes United had been chasing for over a year after an initial pursuit fell through last summer. He's currently sidelined with an ankle injury sustained in preseason, but he adds physicality and transition play to a midfield that already includes Tielemans' distribution and academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo.

AUGUST 25 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for Villa clash Baleba will miss Sunday's match against Aston Villa due to fitness, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per BBC Sport Sussex. "Baleba is a Brighton player. I'll never comment on ru...

Impact Baleba has missed Brighton's last three matches with an ankle ligament injury suffered during preseason, and speculation over a potential move to Manchester United has continued to swirl around him throughout that absence, though coach Fabian Hurzeler declined to be drawn on whether anything beyond fitness is behind his continued unavailability. The 22-year-old made 31 Premier League appearances last season. Yasin Ayari is expected to continue pairing with Pascal Gross in midfield if Baleba remains unavailable for the opener.

AUGUST 21 • ROTOWIRE

Doubtful for start of season Baleba suffered an ankle ligament injury during preseason and is a doubt for the start of the 2026-27 season, according to The Athletic.

Impact Baleba's injury forced him to miss Saturday's 4-3 win over Strasbourg. Brighton hope the issue won't require a long term absence, though his availability for the club's Conference League qualifier on Aug. 20 or the Premier League opener against Aston Villa three days later remains in question. The 22-year-old made 31 Premier League appearances last season, his third since joining from Lille in 2023, though his form dipped amid heavy transfer interest from Manchester United, who ultimately pursued Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans instead. Yasin Ayari is expected to pair with Pascal Gross in midfield if Baleba misses the start of the season.

AUGUST 6 • ROTOWIRE

Option to face Liverpool Baleba (undisclosed) is an option for Saturday's clash against Liverpool after missing the last game due to a minor issue, according to BBC Sussex Sport.

Impact Baleba sat out the Sunderland clash with a minor issue but is back in the mix for Saturday's showdown against Liverpool, just as coach Fabian Hurzeler hinted last week. He's been managing a series of muscular problems this season, so the staff could bring him along carefully rather than throwing him straight into a full workload. That said, this likely opens the door for James Milner to keep a bigger role in midfield until Baleba is fully back up to speed.

MARCH 20 • ROTOWIRE

Bukayo Saka's deflected effort puts Arsenal ahead of Brighton | Premier League

MARCH 4 • YOUTUBE

Early hook in loss Carlos Baleba recorded one interception in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 2nd minute.

Impact Carlos Baleba was deemed unplayable Wednesday. The midfielder completed just four passes and was brandished a yellow card before being removed in favor of James Milner after just 22 minutes on the pitch. Carlos Baleba has started in four successive league fixtures, but that streak is in doubt as Brighton prepare to take on Liverpool on Saturday at Anfield.

FEBRUARY 12 • ROTOWIRE

Man Utd to FINALLY land Carlos Baleba?! Red Devils growing confident of signing Brighton ace this summer in deal that could cost £100m

Manchester United are growing increasingly confident of finally securing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as part of a major summer overhau...

JANUARY 15 • goal

Man Utd to FINALLY land Carlos Baleba?! Red Devils growing confident of signing Brighton ace this summer in deal that could cost £100m

Pictured in training with club Baleba (undisclosed) is fully fit and back in Brighton's training sessions after returning from international duty.

Impact Baleba should be an option in central midfield for the remainder of the season, but it's not yet clear when he'll bounce back into the starting lineup. He was quite active with Cameroon in the AFCON, making five appearances despite suffering some minor physical problems during the early stages of the tournament. His return to Brighton's midfield will threaten Yasin Ayari's and Pascal Gross' positions.

JANUARY 15 • ROTOWIRE

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Lisandro Martinez blasts Man United hierarchy after Champions League loss

Man Utd to FINALLY land Carlos Baleba?! Red Devils growing confident of signing Brighton ace this summer in deal that could cost £100m