Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler spoke about the future of Manchester United target Carlos Baleba in his pre-match press conference and was confident about keeping his star man at the club
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has faced a barrage of questions about Manchester United’s interest in Carlos Baleba. However, he remains confident that the £100million-rated youngster will stay put this summer.
United already splashed out over £200m to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s attack with the likes of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, following a lengthy saga, and Bryan Mbeumo all recruited. The Red Devils are now keen to bolster their midfield and some United stars are believed to have even reached out to Baleba in order to convince him to move to Old Trafford.
The Seagulls’ young Cameroonian star is top of United’s wish list, and it’s reported that contact was made last week, although United do have alternatives in mind. Ahead of Brighton’s season opener against Fulham on Saturday, head coach Hurzeler fielded numerous queries about Baleba, with the German showing a defiant stance on his young star.
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It’s now believed that United have decided to postpone a move for the 21-year-old due to his hefty £100m plus price tag. Interest is set to be reignited next year, and while all hope isn’t lost, senior figures at the club think a deal in this transfer window before 1 September is unlikely.
Baleba is tied to Brighton until 2028 so the club aren’t under any pressure to sell. With Moises Caicedo’s move to Chelsea two years ago setting a then-British record of £115m under similar circumstances, the Seagulls have a benchmark figure to demand, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Nevertheless, in Hurzeler’s view, any potential move for the costly Baleba will definitely have to wait until this current Premier League campaign concludes. Here’s what he revealed about the United target on Friday as three crucial questions were addressed.
How confident are you that Carlos Baleba will be a Brighton player come the end of the window?
Hurzeler: “Very, very, very confident [that he will not leave]. Yes. This is just my belief.”
How has Carlos Baleba been dealing with this speculation?
Hurzeler: “I didn’t see any change in him. He only changed his hair, so I think that was the only change he made in the last two weeks! But overall, he seems to be in a really good place.
“He’s enjoying it with his team-mates. He’s enjoying being a Brighton player. He’s very grateful to have the progress he made in the last season. So I didn’t see any big change.”
Will Carlos Baleba play against Fulham?
Hurzeler: “He is an option to start tomorrow, yes. Now I only have to mention two names [out injured]. It’s a big change compared to last season. So a big thank you to my medical staff, to my physios.
“They did a great job during the summer, so the only players are not available are Adam Webster and Solly March, they are the long-term ones.
“I don’t know the clear schedule about them but all the other players are available. So it’s a big change and a positive change, and hopefully it stays like this.”
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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