I watched Carlos Baleba’s Liverpool ‘audition’ and this is how he got on
Liverpool are unlikely to pursue a deal for Brighton star Carlos Baleba this summer and their stance has not been altered by his latest display at Anfield.
Brighton lost 3-0 to Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round, a game in which the midfielder was given the chance to prove his value to potential suitors.
Arne Slot‘s side have been keen on the 22-year-old since the summer, when they saw rivals Man United miss out on a late move for his signature.
However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Baleba disappointed with his display and will not have inspired watching admirers.
This has been a recurring issue for Baleba so far this season, with early suggestions his head had been turned by the interest as he has failed to hit his usual high levels.
Liverpool make decision on pursuing Carlos Baleba deal
Brown told Football Insider in October that Man United were not impressed by Baleba following a disappointing display at Old Trafford.
Liverpool’s response has been similar to that of their rivals, with the midfielder now facing the possibility of having missed out on the major interest.
“I’ve been stunned by how much Baleba seems to have dropped off,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He looks miles away from the player I first saw last season when he was attracting this interest from teams like Liverpool and Man United.
“He doesn’t look fit, he plods around the pitch, he isn’t quick in getting forward to contribute to the attack or getting back to help out defensively either.
“He’s okay when he’s got the ball at his feet, but his passing is very safe and predictable.
“He looks a shadow of his former self, and for a team like Liverpool looking at him, I don’t think they will be impressed by what they saw at all.”
- Read more: Brighton could reevaluate Baleba’s price tag.
Brighton open door to Baleba exit this summer
Baleba’s disappointing performances have not only led to concerns at interested clubs including Liverpool and Man United, but also at Brighton.
Brown told Football Insider on 12 February that Brighton are willing to sell Baleba in the summer and still hope to make a substantial profit on his departure.
The 22-year-old has endured a disappointing season under Fabian Hurzeler, and is no longer considered a vital part of their plans for the future.
United made a move to sign the Cameroon international during last summer’s transfer window, but were quoted a price of over £100million, making the deal impossible to pull off.
The midfielder arrived at the Amex from Lille in 2023 for a fee of £23.2million and the Seagulls hope they will make at least double the money on his sale.
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