After signing for Brighton in August 2023, midfielder Carlos Baleba initially struggled to establish himself as a regular starter in the team. However, this season, under the management of Fabian Hürzeler, he has evolved into a key player for the Seagulls, featuring in 27 matches across multiple competitions.
Baleba’s impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, as several elite English clubs—including Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City—have begun monitoring his progress. His rapid adaptation to the demands of the Premier League has particularly caught the attention of former Cameroon international Bernard Tchoutang.
In an interview with Africa Foot, Tchoutang admitted that he initially expected Baleba to require at least two years to fully settle in England’s top flight. However, he has been pleasantly surprised by the 21-year-old’s ability to adjust quickly and make an impact within a short period.
As interest in Baleba continues to rise, Brighton is reportedly demanding a significant transfer fee for the midfielder. While this could make negotiations challenging for potential suitors, Tchoutang remains confident that the young star’s strong mentality, coupled with the unwavering support of his family, will allow him to stay focused on his performances rather than being distracted by the financial aspects of a transfer.
Although Tchoutang acknowledged that spending another season at Brighton could be beneficial for Baleba’s continued growth, he also believes the midfielder is ready to make the jump to one of Europe’s elite clubs. He particularly endorsed a move to Liverpool over Chelsea, emphasizing that the Reds’ tactical system under Arne Slot would be the perfect environment for Baleba to flourish.
In his analysis, Tchoutang highlighted Liverpool’s intense pressing style, attacking philosophy, and commitment to developing young talents as factors that would allow Baleba to reach his full potential. “Liverpool would be the ideal club for him,” he stated. “Their system is designed for players like him to thrive. They press high, play aggressive attacking football, and provide opportunities for young players to develop. That’s exactly the kind of environment he needs.”
On the other hand, Tchoutang expressed concerns about Chelsea’s current situation, arguing that they are not operating at the same level as clubs like Liverpool or Arsenal. He pointed out that Chelsea has endured an inconsistent season and may not provide Baleba with the best platform for success at this stage of his career.
“Chelsea are having an average season,” he explained. “They are not on the same level as Liverpool or Arsenal right now. If Baleba wants to play for one of the best teams in England, he has the talent to do so. He is ready to take that step.”
With Baleba continuing to impress, speculation over his future is likely to intensify. Whether he remains at Brighton for further development or secures a move to one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, his rapid rise suggests he is on the path to becoming a top midfielder in English football.
