Carlos Baleba
21-Year-Old
Brighton & Hove Albion
Premier
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Baleba took on a major starting role during his second season with Brighton. He played in 34 matches (31 starts) and even helped on the back line when there were a bevy of injuries. Like most defensive midfielders, his upside is capped, but he had four goal contributions from 44 shots in 2024/25, and his penchant for ripping shots from deep is always appreciated in fantasy. He heads into the 2025/26 campaign as Brighton's top midfielder, set for a role similar to the one as last season in Fabian Hurzeler's second season in charge.
Working up fitness
Baleba continues to work up his fitness, according to manager Fabian Hurzeler. "It's very positive for Carlos. Of course, we needed to take care of him after he was out for almost three, four weeks. And we couldn't let him play for 90 minutes. But now it's about getting him back to his highest level regarding physicality, and then I'm sure he will be an option for us at the weekend."
ANALYSIS
Baleba started in Brighton's season opener after he was dealt an injury heading into the season, with the midfielder limited to 69 minutes of play. However, the club is continuing to ramp up his fitness to ensure his health moving forward, with the midfielder set to play again Saturday. That said, they will hope he is good for 90 minutes, as he is set to be a regular in the middle of the pitch after starting 31 matches last season.
Baleba started in Brighton's season opener after he was dealt an injury heading into the season, with the midfielder limited to 69 minutes of play. However, the club is continuing to ramp up his fitness to ensure his health moving forward, with the midfielder set to play again Saturday. That said, they will hope he is good for 90 minutes, as he is set to be a regular in the middle of the pitch after starting 31 matches last season.
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Brighton & Hove AlbionMore Fantasy News
Makes starting XI
Baleba (knee) makes the starting XI for Saturday's opener against Fulham.
ANALYSIS
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Option to start Saturday
Baleba (knee) is an option to start the season opener against Fulham on Saturday, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference, according to The Argus.
ANALYSIS
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Deals with knee injury
Baleba is dealing with a knee injury sustained during the pre-season camp in Marbella but has been training in recent days and will be back for the season opener against Fulham, coach Fabian Hurzeler told the media, according to The Athletic.
ANALYSIS
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Makes 31 starts
Baleba started in 31 of his 34 appearances with Brighton in the Premier League.
ANALYSIS
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Buries one in victory
Carlos Baleba scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-2 victory versus West Ham United.
ANALYSIS
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Man United to chase him next summer
Manchester United are expected to pursue a move for Baleba in the summer of 2026, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
ANALYSIS
Manchester United won't be able to complete a move for Baleba this summer, but the Red Devils aren't going to give up on the Cameroonian so easily. Expect them to pursue him in the summer of 2026, and after strengthening their attack in the current window, there's a chance Baleba might be the team's top target in 12 months.
Manchester United won't be able to complete a move for Baleba this summer, but the Red Devils aren't going to give up on the Cameroonian so easily. Expect them to pursue him in the summer of 2026, and after strengthening their attack in the current window, there's a chance Baleba might be the team's top target in 12 months.