Brighton Boss Delivers Stern Transfer Warning to Man Utd Over Carlos Baleba Pursuit

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hürzeler has stated he remains unconvinced that midfielder Carlos Baleba will make a move to Manchester United during this transfer window.

United are currently exploring options for a new central midfielder following their strengthening of the attacking department with the signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško, and reports emerged this month suggesting they are considering an ambitious pursuit of the 21-year-old Baleba.

Although Baleba is said to be open to the transfer, United's main challenge will be satisfying Brighton's financial expectations for a player who remains tied to the club for another three years—with the Seagulls holding an option for a further 12-month extension—and carries a price tag exceeding £100 million ($135.4 million).

Prior to his team's Premier League season opener against Fulham, Hürzeler delivered a confident statement when questioned about his certainty that Baleba will stay at the club past this summer.

"Very, very, very confident," he emphasized. "That's just my belief."

Although Baleba's participation in Saturday's match remains uncertain due to a knee problem, Hürzeler continued by stating the midfielder has shown no adverse reaction to the heightened speculation and could feature in the starting lineup against Fulham if he demonstrates his fitness.

"I haven't noticed any difference, he's only changed his hairstyle," Hürzeler joked. "I believe that's the sole modification he's made over the past fortnight.

"But generally he appears to be in an excellent mindset, he's thriving alongside his teammates, he's content being a Brighton player. He's very appreciative of the development he experienced last season.

"I haven't observed any significant changes and he remains a candidate to start tomorrow."