Bad news has arrived for Manchester United fans hoping to see Carlos Baleba in red this season. Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has shut down speculation over the midfielder’s future, insisting he is “very confident” the £100m-rated star will stay put this summer.
United manager Ruben Amorim is keen to bolster his midfield before the transfer window closes, but Brighton’s tough stance and huge valuation have made a deal almost impossible for now. Sources say United may have to wait until next summer if they want their man.
Brighton & Hove Albion have sent a strong message to Manchester United: Carlos Baleba is not going anywhere this summer.
Manager Fabian Hurzeler has made it clear he is “very confident” the talented midfielder will remain at the Amex Stadium, despite heavy interest from Old Trafford.
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United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, has his eyes on strengthening the midfield before the transfer window shuts. But Brighton’s stance, combined with Baleba’s huge £100 million valuation, makes any deal complicated.
Sources say United may be ready to wait until next summer before making their move. For now, Brighton believe they can hold firm.
“I am very, very confident,” Hurzeler told reporters when asked about Baleba’s future. “I didn’t see any change. He seems to be in a very good place, enjoying it with his team-mates.”
The 20-year-old midfielder has missed Brighton’s last four pre-season friendlies due to a knee injury. However, Hurzeler revealed there is a chance he could return to action against Fulham this weekend.
“He is an option to start tomorrow,” the Brighton boss added, giving fans a boost ahead of the Premier League kick-off.
Manchester United’s midfield has been under scrutiny in pre-season. With Toby Collyer set to join Championship side West Brom on a season-long loan, Amorim is short of depth in certain positions.
Concerns have been raised about whether Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, and Casemiro are the right fit for the deeper midfield roles in United’s system.
United have already spent close to £200 million this summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Diego Leon. Still, Amorim reportedly wants one more high-quality midfielder before the window closes.
The club invested heavily in Ugarte, paying €50 million (£42.3m) plus €10 million (£8.5m) in add-ons. Yet, that hasn’t stopped United from looking at more options in the same position.
For Brighton, keeping Baleba would be a massive win. The Seagulls have built a reputation for developing young stars and selling them for big fees, but this time, they believe the player is key to their season’s plans.
Baleba’s presence in the team is seen as vital, especially after a summer in which Brighton have been working to build stability under Hurzeler.
Fans on social media have been quick to praise the manager’s firm stance, with many calling Baleba “the heartbeat of the midfield.”
United’s interest is unlikely to disappear. If they wait until 2026, the price could rise even higher, especially if Baleba delivers a standout season.
For now, it seems Brighton are ready to resist any late bids, no matter how tempting.
The next big test will come if United decide to test Brighton’s resolve in the final days of the window. Until then, Baleba remains a Seagull, and Hurzeler’s confidence is sky-high.
The Brighton manager’s message is simple: Carlos Baleba is not for sale this summer. And if United want him, they’ll have to wait, or pay up big time.
