Liverpool join others in Premier League midfielder interest | OneFootball

Liverpool Join Growing Chase for Brighton Midfielder Carlos Baleba

Liverpool have emerged as the latest club to register concrete interest in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, adding further momentum to what is shaping up to be one of the Premier League’s most closely watched transfer stories.

As first reported by CaughtOffside, Liverpool have now joined a competitive group of elite European clubs tracking the Cameroon international. While a January move is not under consideration, there is a growing expectation among all parties that Baleba’s future will come into sharper focus once the season concludes.

Baleba’s development at the Amex Stadium has been closely monitored across the league. Despite occasional inconsistency, his blend of athleticism, ball-carrying power and tactical flexibility continues to attract attention from clubs operating at the top end of the market.

Brighton Position Remains Firm Amid Interest

Brighton are understood to be fielding multiple enquiries for their No.17 but remain adamant that no mid-season exit will be sanctioned. The club view Baleba as a key part of their medium-term planning and are content to push any discussions into the summer window.

Earlier approaches from Manchester United failed to progress after Brighton placed a valuation in excess of £100 million on the midfielder. That position has not shifted, with club officials confident that Baleba’s age, contract situation and physical upside justify a premium fee.

Baleba, currently away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, is believed to be relaxed about the situation. No formal request has been made, and there is no internal pressure to accelerate talks before the end of the campaign.

Liverpool Recruitment Strategy Comes Into Focus

Liverpool’s interest adds a new layer to the situation. Under Arne Slot, recruitment has increasingly focused on multi-functional players capable of thriving in high-intensity systems, and Baleba fits that profile.

Reporting referenced by The Brighton Base via CaughtOffside suggests Liverpool have undertaken background work on the midfielder but remain fully aware of Brighton’s negotiating strength. Any move would require careful planning, particularly given the scale of Brighton’s valuation and the level of competition expected.

There is also recognition at Anfield that Brighton are disciplined sellers, rarely moving key assets without securing maximum value or a strategic advantage elsewhere.

Alternative Deal Structures Considered

While a straightforward bidding war remains the most likely outcome, Liverpool’s involvement has raised the possibility of more creative negotiations.

Brighton are long-term admirers of Joe Gomez and explored a loan move for the defender last summer before talks collapsed amid contract considerations. Gomez’s lack of regular minutes has not gone unnoticed, and Brighton may be open to revisiting that interest if it helps bridge the financial gap in any future discussions.

No formal proposals have been tabled, and Brighton are not reliant on player-plus-cash arrangements to complete a deal. However, their willingness to explore options remains part of the broader picture.

Succession Planning Already Underway

Brighton are also planning for potential outcomes. Links to Lamare Bogarde and Imran Louza underline the club’s proactive approach to squad management, ensuring that any eventual exit can be absorbed without destabilising the group.

At present, there is little indication that Baleba’s future will be resolved quickly. Brighton are comfortable waiting, Liverpool are assessing their options, and rival clubs continue to monitor developments closely.

What is clear is that Baleba’s trajectory remains firmly upward. His next move is likely to be one of the defining midfield transfers of the upcoming summer window, with Liverpool’s entry into the race reinforcing his status and Brighton maintaining full control of the process.

As originally reported by The Brighton Base, groundwork is being laid well in advance — even if the decisive moment still lies months away.