Bryan Mbeumo’s Influence on Cameroon Teammate Carlos Baleba
Bryan Mbeumo, the £71 million signing from Brentford, has been actively trying to convince his Cameroon teammate, Carlos Baleba, to join him at Manchester United. Despite having been at Old Trafford for a short time, Mbeumo is keen to contribute to strengthening the squad. According to reports, he sees Baleba as a ‘little brother’ and has been encouraging him during the international break.
Mbeumo and Baleba have been together on international duty with Cameroon, and their bond has grown stronger over time. The forward was seen consoling and protecting Baleba after Cameroon’s loss against Cape Verde in September.
If Brighton decides to sell Baleba, it would be another impressive move for the club. They originally signed him for £23 million to replace Moises Caicedo, who brought them £73 million in profit when he moved to Chelsea. Baleba has already more than tripled his value following an outstanding last campaign.
However, the young midfielder has faced some challenges at the start of the season. His manager, Fabian Hurzeler, admitted that the interest from Manchester United might have been a distraction. He explained:
- “For sure, when a young boy reads that there’s interest from Manchester United with a big offer, it might affect him deeply, even if he’s not saying.
‘That’s also part of the development, to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer from a big club that wants to have him.
‘Then, to keep pushing to be humble, stay here and be bright, and try to make the next step together with the team.’”
He added:
- “I am a football coach because, first of all, of course I am obsessed with football.
‘But second of all is seeing the improvement and development of the young players. And also helping them out of some bad phases.
‘We talk a lot, for example, about Carlos. He had an incredible development last season and everyone was so pleased and so happy with him.
‘Now there is a wave and it is really important to keep being with him, keep pushing him, keep supporting him. These are also moments I really enjoy.
‘I think it is not only being there when everything is nice. It is easy when you are successful.’”
Mbeumo, Baleba, and their teammates will now face a play-off to qualify for the World Cup. A win and a draw during the international break saw them finish second in the group behind Cape Verde. Mbeumo has been one of the standout performers for Ruben Amorim’s side this season and could further endear himself to fans with a strong performance against Liverpool this Sunday.
Baleba will be playing for Brighton against Newcastle, and the two will reunite the following week when Brighton faces Manchester United away from home.
The potential transfer of Baleba to Manchester United remains a topic of discussion, with the midfielder reportedly valued at around £120 million. As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if this rumored move becomes a reality.
