'Very, very confident' - Man Utd dealt hammer blow in Carlos Baleba pursuit as Brighton break silence on midfielder's future

Brighton have slapped a jaw-dropping £100 million ($135m) valuation on Baleba, instantly making the deal a financial improbability for United. While Ruben Amorim is desperate to shore up his midfield before the transfer window slams shut, funding such a move appears impossible without offloading players first.

With Toby Collyer on the verge of a season-long loan move to West Brom, Amorim’s options for the deeper midfield role are narrowing. There are still big question marks over whether Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro can consistently anchor the side, adding urgency to the chase for a new recruit.

Hurzeler, however, is standing firm. Speaking to the press on Friday morning, the Brighton boss was unwavering in his stance, insisting there’s no hint of unrest in Baleba’s camp.

"I am very, very confident," Hurzeler told reporters this morning of keeping Baleba. "I didn't see any change. He seems to be in a very good place, enjoying it with his team-mates."

Baleba has been sidelined for Brighton’s last four pre-season clashes due to a knee problem, but Hurzeler said he’s back in the frame and could even start against Fulham this weekend.

According to the Manchester Evening News, United are now prepared to bide their time and revisit a move for Baleba in 2026, avoiding a frantic scramble that could see them pay over the odds. That means, for now, Brighton look set to keep their prized asset. Old Trafford's recruitment team is already working on a new solution and is believed to have zeroed in on Sporting CP's Morten Hjulmand as an alternative.