Aston Villa Target Brighton Midfielder Carlos Baleba Amid Rising Premier League Interest.
Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing a potential move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, who has emerged as one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season. According to *TBR Football*, Villa are among several clubs monitoring the progress of the 20-year-old Cameroon international, who has thrived under new Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler.
Baleba joined Brighton from French club Lille in 2023 and initially faced a gradual adaptation to the Premier League, making just 15 starts in his first season. However, he has made significant strides this campaign, starting six out of Brighton’s eight games and delivering commanding performances in the midfield. His rapid development has caught the attention of Premier League heavyweights, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United, with Manchester City, Tottenham, and Villa now reportedly joining the list of admirers.
Villa, who have bolstered their midfield this season with the signing of Amadou Onana, also anticipate the return of Boubacar Kamara from a long-term injury. The Claret & Blue squad boasts other midfield options like Youri Tielemans, Ross Barkley, and club captain John McGinn. Despite their depth, Villa’s interest in Baleba suggests they are keeping an eye on emerging talent to strengthen their options further.
Brighton secured Baleba’s services for a reported £23 million fee last summer, and given his promising performances, any potential transfer fee is likely to have risen significantly. With Brighton focusing on Baleba’s continued development, it remains uncertain whether the club would entertain offers for the midfielder.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has been cautious about overhyping Baleba, emphasizing the importance of consistent development. “It’s very important to find a balance when giving a player positive feedback,” Hurzeler noted earlier this month. “You have to always try to improve.” This focus on steady growth highlights Brighton’s investment in Baleba’s long-term potential, which may make any transfer negotiations particularly challenging for interested clubs.
As Villa keep a close watch on Baleba’s progress, it remains to be seen whether they will make a formal approach in the coming transfer windows, potentially sparking a bidding war with some of the Premier League’s top clubs.
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