Fabian Hurzeler sends message to Man Utd over late Carlos Baleba transfer move

Manchester United failed with an offer to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer (Picture: Getty)

Fabian Hurzeler says he is ‘more than 100 per cent confident’ that Carlos Baleba will still be a Brighton player when the transfer window closes.

Baleba, 21, has established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in Premier League football over the last two seasons having swapped Lille for Brighton in 2023.

But Baleba’s performances have begun to attract the attentions of England’s elite and speculation has been mounting that midfielder could be set for the exit door at the Amex Stadium.

It’s understood Manchester United made an approach for Baleba earlier this month, before testing Brighton’s resolve with a player-plus-cash offer to lure the youngster to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils’ bid was rejected out of hand, though, with Brighton reportedly demanding a fee in excess of £100million for their prized possession.

While United remain in the hunt for a central midfielder, the Seagulls’ refusal to budge on Baleba’s asking price has seen the club drop their interest in the Cameroon international for the time being.

It appears United will be forced to explore other avenues if they are intent on strengthening before the deadline and reports this week suggested Sporting’s Morten Hjulmand and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton were being eyed as alternatives.

Brighton have slapped a £100m asking price on Baleba (Picture: Getty) Hurzeler is ‘more than 100 per cent confident’ that Baleba is going nowhere (Picture: Getty)

Asked whether he was ‘100 per cent confident’ that Baleba would be staying put this summer, Brighton head coach Hurzeler told reporters: ‘Yes.

‘If there’s a number more than 100, I would even say more than 100 so I’m confident.’

Baleba has started Brighton’s two opening matches of the Premier League campaign against Fulham and Everton and will be expected to continue his run in the side at home to Manchester City this weekend.

The midfielder is tied into a contract with Brighton until 2028 (Picture: Getty)

The former Lille man also featured as a substitute against Oxford on Wednesday night as Brighton ran out 6-0 victors to safely advance through to the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Baleba has three years remaining on his current contract on the south coast.

Brighton’s second-round win over Oxford proved a memorable night for Stefanos Tzimas, who completed a brace and assisted fellow new boy Tommy Watson in an outstanding debut performance.

Baleba is expected to start against Manchester City this weekend (Picture: Getty)

Hurzeler was delighted with what he saw from his new signings at the Kassam Stadium, but reminded them it was ‘only a first step’ to becoming a first-team regular in the Premier League.

‘We now have a little bit more flexibility, but tonight was still far away from a Premier League game,’ the Brighton boss added.

‘I think Oxford came into the game after three league defeats, so we have to factor that in. But it’s important.

‘It was a good start for them [the debutants], but it’s only a first step.

‘We have to take several steps with them so that they’re ready for Premier League football, that they’re ready to help us, but they need to use every moment in the journey.

‘They need to use every game they get and then I’m sure long term that they can help us.’

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