Brighton have moved to shut down the growing talk linking Carlos Baleba with a big-money move to Manchester United, with a senior club figure insisting the midfielder is not for sale.
Baleba has been widely tipped as a long-term target for United, with reports suggesting Brighton could demand as much as £100 million for the 20-year-old if they were ever forced into negotiations. The Cameroon international’s rise since arriving on the south coast has only added fuel to the speculation.
However, Brighton’s chief has now delivered a clear message on Baleba’s future, dismissing the transfer noise and stressing the club’s stance. The comments were a direct response to the growing interest around one of Brighton’s key young players, and underlined that there has been no change in their position.
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille and has steadily become a central part of their midfield options, attracting attention thanks to his athleticism, ball-carrying and composure in possession. That development has inevitably put him on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Manchester United among those mentioned most often.
But Brighton’s leadership have made it clear they are not entertaining offers, despite the figures being discussed and the level of interest being reported. For now, the club’s message is that Baleba remains an important part of their plans and is expected to continue his progress at the Amex.
