Fabian Hurzeler breaks silence on Carlos Baleba to Man Utd, ‘I am very…’

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Manchester United appear to be going all in on signing Carlos Baleba this summer from Brighton to upgrade the midfield.

Over the past two years, Manchester United’s midfield has been an area of significant weakness as Casemiro’s legs have gone and indications are Manuel Ugarte isn’t good enough right now.

As a result, Ruben Amorim has demanded a new midfielder, with the head coach noting a lack of intensity and athleticism in the position.

Therefore, when Carlos Baleba emerged as a target, it was very well received by United fans, with the idea that he perfectly fits the bill for Amorim.

United are in daily contact with Brighton over the 21-year-old Cameroonian, which suggests that there is some kind of belief a deal can be struck.

However, Brighton are not keen on selling having planned to keep him for one more season.

• READ: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2025/26

Fabian Hurzeler speaks about Carlos Baleba

Brighton could already have their Baleba replacement in the form of Malick Yalcouye, although he is thought to be one year away from being ready.

So while talks continue between United and Brighton, now the head coach of the Amex-outfit has spoken about his player’s future.

Speaking to press ahead of his side’s Premier League opener against Fulham, Fabian Hurzeler has revealed confidence over keeping the Cameroon international.

“I am very, very confident Baleba will stay with us”, Hurzeler explained, quieting down the talk of the deal happening.

“But overall he seems to be in a really good place, he’s enjoying it with his team-mates, he’s enjoying being a Brighton player.

“I didn’t see any big changes and he’s an option to start tomorrow”.

Obviously, Hurzeler is not going to say he expects Baleba to leave or anything else, other than stating he wants him to stay.

It will be interesting to see whether Baleba plays for Brighton on Saturday or not, as it seems a bid from the Red Devils could soon be lodged.

• READ: ‘Masterstroke’ – Carlos Baleba told to join Man United by former Cameroon star Eric Djemba-Djemba

Brighton are extremely shrewd sellers and Manchester United won’t be concerned

Hurzeler stating that he is confident to keep Baleba is little more than Brighton putting up a front and showing United that they aren’t keen to sell.

This is different to how United’s sales are being negotiated this summer with it being made incredibly clear who is for sale, which weakens the negotiating hand.

Brighton have never done this, proving to be nightmares to negotiate with for several clubs, with Moises Caicedo effectively having to beg for his exit before getting it.

United will know these games and will be aware that it is going to take a massive bid to convince Brighton to sell.

If an agreement can be reached, we already know Baleba is keen to join United, so definitely don’t write this off.