Brighton star Carlos Baleba in cryptic social media post amid Manchester United transfer links


Carlos Baleba has reignited speculation about his future with a social media post.

The Brighton midfielder shared a cryptic message after Cameroon’s World Cup dream was dashed.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 4: Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Newcastle United FC at Amex Stadium on May 4, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images)

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Baleba shared a cryptic message on social media during the international break.

Baleba started when the Indomitable Lions took on DR Congo in the play-off semi-finals on Thursday.

However, because the 21-year-old was booked in the first half, he had to be sent off at half-time before his team conceded the winning goal in stoppage time.

The result ends Cameroon’s hopes of qualifying for next summer’s finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

It would have been their fourth appearance in five tournaments, having reached the World Cup in 2010, 2014 and 2022.

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The play-off defeat came in Baleba’s 11th cap after making his senior debut last summer.

Cameroon will return to action at the Africa Cup of Nations next month.

After Thursday’s defeat, Baleba has now taken to social media to spread a message.

He reshared a post to his Instagram Story that featured his former Brighton teammate Joao Pedro along with a motivational quote.

The snap shows Pedro celebrating a goal for Chelsea following his move from the Seagulls in the summer.

The caption next to the image reads, “Don’t rush what God is taking time to prepare.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 5: Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates goal with Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion after making the score 1-1 during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Craven Cottage on December 5, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)

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The midfielder re-posted a picture of his former teammate Pedro along with a motivational quote.
Carlos Baleba's Instagram post

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Baleba has been linked with a move from Brighton in 2026Photo credit: Instagram: @carlos_baleba

Baleba’s transfer future

His post comes just months after Manchester United showed keen interest in a move for Baleba.

The Red Devils had emerged as a possible destination during the summer transfer window.

However, their interest waned after Brighton slapped a £115million price tag on the former Lille player.

Baleba’s contract runs for two and a half years, and the club has the option to extend it until 2029.

Due to the transfer speculation, Baleba had a slow start to the new season for Fabian Hurzeler’s team.

In the first seven Premier League games of the season he was eliminated at half-time three times.

Brighton's Cameroon midfielder No. 17 Carlos Baleba (R) chases the ball under pressure from Crystal Palace's Colombian midfielder No. 08 Jefferson Lerma (L) as referee Tim Robinson (L) looks on during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion at Selhurst Park in south London on November 9, 2025. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with any unauthorized audio, video, data, schedule, club/league logos or “live” services. Online use in the game is limited to 120 images. A further 40 images can be used in the extension. No video emulation. Social media usage during the game is limited to 120 images. A further 40 images can be used in the extension. No use in betting publications, games or individual club/league/player publications. / (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

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Baleba was the subject of interest from United during the summer transfer window.

Since then, however, Baleba has started each of Brighton’s four league games, playing at least 59 minutes.

He also featured in each of their 14 games in all competitions.