Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hürzeler has publicly stated he is not concerned about losing midfielder Carlos Baleba, despite intense transfer speculation linking the player to Manchester United. Speaking on the BBC’s Monday Night Club podcast, Hürzeler’s comments were a show of confidence in his team’s culture and strategy.
“No chance. I don’t feel fear,” Hürzeler said when asked about the possibility of losing key players. “I’m not afraid of anything because all we can do is be the best version of ourselves every day and work as hard as we can. All the other things we can’t influence, so we really have to focus on us.”
The manager acknowledged Brighton’s financial position relative to top clubs but highlighted the team’s core strength. “For sure, we can’t spend the money like the big teams but one of our biggest values is togetherness. And if you stay together, if we try to push our limits and increase the boundaries, then I’m sure we can compete with the big teams.”
Hürzeler’s remarks come as reports suggest Manchester United, managed by the newly appointed Ruben Amorim, are preparing a significant bid for Baleba. Some sources have even claimed a potential deal could break the transfer record for an African player.
Manchester United’s Ambitious Rebuild
Ruben Amorim, who was appointed as Manchester United’s manager in late 2024, has been busy overhauling the squad. He has already secured several major attacking signings this transfer window, including Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
With his forward line bolstered, Amorim is now reportedly prioritizing a new central midfielder, with Baleba at the top of his wishlist. The 21-year-old Cameroonian international, who joined Brighton in 2023, is reportedly valued at a staggering £100 million-plus by the Seagulls.
Brighton’s chief executive, Paul Barber, confirmed there has been no direct contact from Manchester United but did not rule out a move, stating that player futures are “subject to the dynamics of the football world, which isn’t always predictable.”
Season Opener Looms for Brighton
Fabian Hürzeler and his Brighton squad will put their focus on the pitch as they prepare for their Premier League season opener. The Seagulls will face Fulham at the American Express Stadium this Saturday, August 16th, hoping to get their campaign off to a strong start amid the transfer noise.
