Carlos Baleba has acknowledged that persistent links to Manchester United amplified expectations and contributed to a difficult run of form this season. After emerging last term as one of Europe’s most impressive defensive midfielders, the Brighton midfielder has struggled to replicate that level and his performances have tested manager Fabian Hürzeler’s trust.

The German boss has used Baleba sparingly this term, with the player completing the full 90 minutes in just one of Brighton’s 16 top-flight fixtures. That reduced role has coincided with a more uneven campaign for the 17 shirt and greater scrutiny around his consistency.

Asked about whether the transfer speculation affected him, Baleba was initially dismissive. “I don’t think it affected me,” he told Sky Sports News after enduring more highs and lows in Saturday’s 2–0 defeat to Liverpool . He was, however, candid about the weight of expectation. “I had a lot of pressure on me,” he conceded.

Baleba described his own standards and the work required to return to last season’s form. “When I started the season, I wanted to [have] the same performances as last season. Every day I try to work hard and to get [back] to my level.” On whether he had demanded too much of himself he added: “Did I put too much pressure on myself? Yes, I think so, but I think that’s good. It’s good for me because now I need to pass this time of pressure and I need to get up and continue to work.”

Manchester United shifted last summer’s recruitment focus away from midfield, spending around £200 million on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško, but their need for central midfield reinforcements remains. Brighton’s No. 17 is one option among several, with other names also emerging as potential targets.

Meanwhile, Elliot Anderson has risen this season, and any incoming midfielder would be expected to ease the burden on Casemiro, who is out of contract next summer. Adam Wharton also offers experience of operating in a 3-4-2-1 shape for Crystal Palace, giving clubs alternative profiles to consider.

Mohamed Salah has been recalled to Liverpool’s squad for Saturday’s trip to Brighton & Hove Albion after what have been described by several outlets as “positive” discussions with manager Arne Slot.

The situation had produced intense speculation following Salah’s claim that he no longer had a working relationship with Slot. Slot told his Friday news conference that he would discuss the evolving situation with Salah in person, with the two thrashing out whether he’d be included in Liverpool’s squad for the visit of Brighton.

Reports say the pair held constructive talks and the decision was taken to include the forward in the group for the fixture. If he does play on Saturday, it could be his final appearance in a Liverpool shirt for up to six weeks. The 33-year-old will join up with Egypt on Monday, Dec. 15, potentially missing seven games if the Pharaohs make the AFCON final.

Inclusion in the matchday squad, however, does not guarantee a start. Slot made a tactical change in midweek, opting against a traditional winger against Inter and experimenting with different attacking combinations. The reigning PFA Player of the Year was overlooked by his manager against West Ham United, Sunderland and Leeds, a sequence that contributed to last weekend’s public outburst.

Against Inter the former Feyenoord boss started Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitiké up top for just the second time this season. The pairing produced limited chemistry but did yield a positive result, and Slot may again weigh form when selecting his XI. Given Isak’s poor form, Slot could keep the Swede on the bench at the weekend and allow Ekitiké to lead the line, opening the door for Salah to return on the right.

Rewarding the Liverpool legend with a start after his recent antics might not be an outcome Slot desires. All eyes will be on the 47-year-old when he drops his XI on Saturday afternoon.

The Premier League shortlists for November have been published, highlighting individual runs that shaped the month.

Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes closed November with three goals, two of which arrived in the win over Manchester City. Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall delivered a memorable strike against Manchester United, also scoring against Newcastle and providing an assist against Fulham. Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku produced one of the season’s most eye-catching individual displays as he demolished Liverpool and helped Pep Guardiola’s side remain competitive in the title race.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes finished November with four assists, creating goals against Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace. Morgan Gibbs-White enjoyed a three-game scoring streak for Nottingham Forest, firing home against Man Utd, Leeds United and in the away victory at Liverpool.

Chelsea defender Reece James featured in all four of the Blues’ Premier League matches in November. His assist in the 1–1 draw with Arsenal capped off a truly stunning individual showing in a month which yielded a total of three clean sheets. Arsenal’s Declan Rice added attacking impetus with a goal against Burnley and an assist in the north London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Brentford striker Igor Thiago continued his hot form, adding five goals across November with strikes against Newcastle, Brighton & Hove Albion and Burnley among them.

Managers with strong cases included Mikel Arteta after Arsenal’s unbeaten month, which produced wins over Burnley and Tottenham as well as draws with Sunderland and Chelsea. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa won three of four and emerged as outside contenders in the title race. Pep Guardiola’s Man City scored a league-high 10 goals in November, including the victory over Liverpool. Fabian Hürzeler’s Brighton & Hove Albion conceded once in four games, producing wins over Leeds, Brentford and Nottingham Forest. Chelsea went unbeaten under Enzo Maresca with three wins and a draw. Marco Silva’s Fulham recorded three wins over Wolves, Sunderland and Tottenham.

Recent monthly winners: Jack Grealish (Everton, August), Erling Haaland (Man City, September), Bryan Mbeumo (Man Utd, October). Recent manager winners: Arne Slot (Liverpool, August), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace, September), Ruben Amorim (Man Utd, October).