Brighton Boss Fabian Hurzeler Shuts Down Carlos Baleba to Manchester United Transfer Rumours

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has firmly dismissed suggestions that Carlos Baleba could leave the Amex Stadium for Manchester United in the final days of the transfer window.

The 21-year-old Cameroon international has been a long-term target for United, who have explored strengthening in midfield after a difficult start to the season.

But with Brighton unwilling to sell and Hurzeler emphatic in his stance, a late swoop looks highly unlikely.

Is Baleba Going to Man Utd?

Despite speculation over a possible “big offer” from Old Trafford, Hurzeler was clear when asked about Baleba’s future.

“Yes, I am 100% confident. If there was a number more than 100, I would say more than 100, I’m confident,” the Brighton boss insisted.

United had initially held talks via intermediaries earlier this summer, but Brighton’s position was firm.

The Seagulls indicated that any deal would require a figure similar to the £115 million Chelsea spent on Moises Caicedo — well beyond what United are willing to pay at this stage.

Since joining from Lille in 2023 for around £26 million, Baleba has quickly established himself as one of Brighton’s most valuable players.

He made 40 appearances last season, scoring four goals and adding two assists, and has already racked up 77 games for the club.

Hurzeler, who has overseen departures including Joao Pedro, Simon Adingra, and Pervis Estupinan this summer, is determined not to lose another key player.

Brighton’s incoming business has included Charalampos Kostoulas, Diego Coppola, Maxime De Cuyper and Olivier Boscagli, but the squad remains built around players like Baleba.

Manchester United’s Midfield Problem

United’s struggles in midfield are well documented. Under Ruben Amorim, they continue to play with a two-man central setup — a system that has left them outnumbered against most Premier League rivals.

Wednesday night’s shock Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town only added to the sense of crisis, with supporters again pointing to midfield weaknesses as a decisive factor.

Casemiro isn’t getting any younger and his supposed successor Manuel Ugarte has flattered to deceive.

While Amorim has downplayed the need for immediate reinforcements, suggesting Mason Mount could fill in deeper if needed, there is no doubt that a player like Baleba would have transformed United’s options.

A potential midfield three of Baleba, Kobbie Mainoo, and Bruno Fernandes has been widely discussed as a strong long-term fit – but it’s clear Amorim isn’t budging from his two-man midfield structure.

We previosuly went into detail at how Carlos Baleba could solve Manchester United’s midfield problem, but with Brighton refusing to sell, United fans will need to accept that the deal won’t happen this summer.