Liverpool and Chelsea are among the clubs to be credited with interest in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.
He arrived at The Amex in August 2023 and was in and out of Brighton’s starting lineup last season. The midfielder has cemented his place under Fabian Hürzeler this season and made 27 appearances in all competitions so far.
Baleba’s performances for Brighton have seen him linked to Liverpool, Chelsea and other English clubs.
Africa Foot had a chat with former Cameroon international Bernard Tchoutang to discuss the 21-year-old’s time at Brighton. He expected Baleba to take two years to adapt to the Premier League and is surprised with his development so far.
The outlet points out Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City are all keen and Brighton are requesting a huge fee for Baleba.
Tchoutang claims the midfielder is ready for a move, while he believes it’s best for the player to continue with Hürzeler’s side for another season.
“The transfer figures don’t concern him. He’s got a good head on his shoulders, he’s very well looked after, especially by his parents, and I don’t think he’ll be disturbed by these very high sums. The question is whether he’s ready to leave next summer for a big club,” he said.
“Staying one more season at Brighton wouldn’t be a problem. But I think he’s indeed ready to be transferred. I might not have answered you the same thing if he had played in another championship. I would have felt that staying one more season at the same club was the wisest decision. But this is his second season in England and if the best clubs in the country are interested in him, it is because they believe he has the level.”
Tchoutang, who played for Cameroon between 1993 and 2001, has backed Baleba to join Liverpool over Chelsea. The former striker has explained why he feels the Reds would be the best fit for the Brighton player.
“For me, Liverpool is the club that would suit him best!” Tchoutang explained.
“And I’m not just saying that because they’re by far the best team in the Premier League this season and one of the strongest in Europe. Arne Slot’s system of play would suit him very well. The Reds like to attack, press and make quick transitions. We also know that this is a club that knows how to trust young players and give them responsibility.”
“As for Chelsea, I’m not sure it would be a good choice. The team is having a decent season, but it’s a step below Liverpool or Arsenal. And I think that Baleba has what it takes to play for one of the best teams in England! He’s ready for it and he’s working hard for it.”
