Is the transfer saga finally over?! Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler isn’t just confident, he’s “100%” sure Carlos Baleba is staying put, even after Manchester United came calling. Looks like the Seagulls are holding onto their star midfielder. What do you make of this firm stance?

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has definitively stated his absolute confidence that key midfielder Carlos Baleba will remain with the club for the current season, effectively quashing persistent speculation regarding his future.

The highly-rated Cameroon international, a pivotal figure in the Seagulls’ midfield, had reportedly drawn significant interest from Premier League giants Manchester United. Enquiries were made, signaling a potential high-profile move that would have seen Baleba depart the Amex Stadium.

However, Brighton’s resolute stance against selling the 21-year-old proved to be the decisive factor. The club’s refusal to entertain offers, even substantial ones, led Manchester United to abandon their pursuit earlier in the month, reinforcing Brighton’s commitment to retaining their top talent.

Carlos Baleba’s importance to the team is underscored by his consistent presence in the starting lineup, having featured in both of Brighton’s Premier League matches this season. His impressive 80 appearances for the club since joining from Lille in 2023 highlight his rapid integration and impact within Premier League Football.

When directly questioned about Carlos Baleba’s future past the looming Football Transfer Deadline, particularly if a lucrative bid were to emerge, Fabian Hurzeler offered an unequivocal “yes,” signaling that the midfielder is firmly part of his plans. This bold statement leaves little room for doubt among fans and pundits, impacting the Brighton Transfer News narrative.

This strong position comes amidst Brighton’s own recent transfer activity, which has seen the club bolster its squad. Notable additions include midfielder Tom Watson, secured from Sunderland for £10 million, further strengthening the team’s depth.

The Seagulls also welcomed winger Yoon Do-young from Daejeon Hana Citizen and brought in forward Charalampos Kostoulas from Olympiakos in a significant £29.8 million deal. These acquisitions demonstrate Brighton’s strategic approach to building a competitive squad while retaining core players amidst Manchester United Interest.