In the ever-competitive world of Premier League talent scouting, Carlos Baleba has emerged as one of the most physically imposing and technically promising midfielders of his generation.
Baleba is at a pivotal juncture in his career. While his raw talent has attracted interest from giants like Manchester United and Bayern Munich, his recent form under Fabian Hürzeler has been a "rollercoaster," sparking intense debate about his readiness for a major big-money move this summer.
Identity and Origins: Nationality & Family
Nationality: Carlos Noom Quomah Baleba is a Cameroonian international.
Born in Douala on January 3, 2004, he also holds French citizenship through his parents. Parents & Father: Athletics runs in the blood. His father, Henri "Eugene" Baleba, was a professional footballer who played as a striker in South Africa and Cameroon.
Eugene has been his son's mentor, famously teaching him acrobatics as a child to improve his timing and agility. Brother: His younger brother, Bediang, is also a rising footballer—a striker who recently spent time on trial with Newcastle United.
Career Profile: Position & Physicality
Position: Primarily a Defensive Midfielder (CDM) or Central Midfielder (CM).
He is often utilized as a "Holding" midfielder or a "Box-to-Box" engine. Age: 22 years old (Born 2004).
Height: 1.83m (6'0").
Style of Play: Known for his aggressive tackling, press resistance, and explosive verticality. Baleba ranks highly in aerial duels (69th percentile) and defensive contributions but is still working on his discipline and final-third output.
Contract, Value & The "Man Utd" Rumors
The summer of 2026 could see a record fee for the midfielder, though his recent "inconsolable" performance against Aston Villa (where he was substituted after just 22 minutes to avoid a red card) has clouded the narrative.
| Metric | Status as of Feb 2026 |
| Current Club | Brighton & Hove Albion |
| Contract Ends | June 30, 2028 (with club option) |
| Market Value | €60M – €70M |
| Primary Suitor | Manchester United (leading interest) |
| Interested Clubs | Bayern Munich, Liverpool |
Stats & Games: The 2025/2026 Campaign
Baleba has been a fixture for Brighton this season, but his form has dipped amid constant transfer speculation.
Premier League Apps: 21 matches (1,191 minutes).
Goals/Assists: 0/0 (Reflecting his deep-lying defensive role).
Discipline: 5 yellow cards; he recently made headlines for being "left in tears" after an early substitution against Aston Villa on February 11, 2026.
International: He has become a cornerstone for Cameroon, earning 15 caps to date.
EA Sports FC 26: Virtual Rating
Baleba’s physical profile makes him a "meta" favorite in the gaming community.
Base Rating: 81 OVR (CDM/CM).
Notable Special Cards: He recently featured as an 86-rated Winter Wildcard and a 90-rated Evolution card.
Key Traits: Rapid, Incisive Pass, and Holding ++.