Carlos Baleba faces axe vs Bournemouth after what Brighton teammate did, he gives Fabian Hurzeler ‘goosebumps’
Fabian Hurzeler could quickly lose patience with Carlos Baleba after a slow start to the season for the Brighton midfielder.
Man United were keen on signing Baleba during the summer transfer window, Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider, but the Red Devils were forced to pull out for his signature due to the price tag.
Despite interest from the 20-time Premier League champions, the midfielder has suffered a poor start to the 2025/26 campaign, being taken off before the 70-minute mark in each of his three appearances.
The Seagulls are currently sitting 11th in the Premier League table after three games, and with Bournemouth up next after the international break, Hurzeler will be keen to grab all three points.
Yasin Ayari could replace Carlos Baleba vs Bournemouth
During the thrilling 2-1 win over Man City, the Cameroon international and Jack Hinshelwood were both replaced on the hour mark for fresh legs, but the latter had a much better performance.
Brighton value Baleba at over £100 million, Football Insider understands, but that is unlikely to change Hurzeler’s mind when the Seagulls travel to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, 13 September.
In his place, Yasin Ayari has more than proven himself as a decent option in the Premier League, and his manager has made no secret of his favourable opinions about the Sweden international.
Speaking to the media in May [Sussex Express], Hurzeler said: I don’t know why, but every time I speak about Yasin I get goosebumps. Yasin is an unbelievable example.”
Fabian Hurzeler must pick Yasin Ayari after Sweden display
During a 2-2 draw between Slovenia and Sweden on Friday, 5 September, Ayari grabbed the assist for Anthony Elanga‘s opener before scoring a goal of his own to ensure at least a point for the visitors.
The performance earned him a Man of the Match award from FotMob, having won the most fouls, created one big chance, made seven recoveries, and entered into 11 ground duels.
Given how quickly the Cherries can counter-attack, especially through Antoine Semenyo, Evanilson, and Marcus Tavernier, the 21-year-old would be perfect for breaking up the play.
Unfortunately, though, that could come at a cost for Baleba, who is struggling to rediscover his form from the 2024/25 campaign, which gained plenty of interest throughout the summer transfer window.