The £100 million deal is at risk: Baleba is injured.
Manchester United's transfer target Carlos Baleba unexpectedly suffered an injury while playing at AFCON, raising serious questions about the blockbuster deal from Brighton.
An unexpected turn of events at AFCON
Manchester United's plans to sign midfielder Carlos Baleba are facing a major setback after the player suffered an injury during a match at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The incident occurred at a crucial time, just before the winter transfer window opened.
In Cameroon's opening match against Gabon on the evening of December 24th, Baleba had to leave the field after the first half due to injury. This development not only caused concern for the Cameroon coaching staff but also for Manchester United scouts, who were closely monitoring the 21-year-old midfielder.
In the match at Agadir, Baleba started in midfield. Although Cameroon won 1-0, their joy was short-lived as Baleba needed medical attention in first-half stoppage time before being substituted for Jean Onana.
The £100 million dilemma for Man United
The severity of the injury will be the deciding factor in whether Man United will continue pursuing the deal in January. Previously, the Old Trafford club had publicly expressed interest in the Brighton star since the summer, but the deal fell through due to Brighton's £100 million asking price.
Although Baleba is reportedly very interested in the prospect of joining the "Red Devils," the situation has become more complicated. Experts believe that Man United have not given up on this target and are waiting for the right time to send a new offer.
Alarming injury history
What's more worrying is that this injury extends the series of fitness problems Baleba has been facing this season. Since suffering a knee injury in the summer, the midfielder has struggled to maintain his form. Statistics show he has only played a full 90 minutes twice for Brighton this season, the most recent being at the beginning of November.
Baleba's constant substitutions and recurring injuries in a major tournament like AFCON raise doubts about his ability to adapt and his stamina if he were to move to a more demanding environment like the Premier League with a big club.
The future is open.
For Baleba personally, the injury is a major blow to his ambitions of contributing to the national team. Before the tournament, he had expressed his determination to become a leader and help Cameroon win titles. Now, he faces the risk of being sidelined for the remainder of the tournament.
On Brighton's side, manager Fabian Hurzeler had stated in October that transfer speculation was over and Baleba needed to focus on the club. However, given the current situation, both Brighton and Man United are in a difficult position. Brighton risk losing a key player, while Man United must consider whether to risk investing a large sum of money in a player with a history of injuries. The final decision will depend on the results of Baleba's medical examination in the coming days.
