Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler fires Carlos Baleba transfer demand as Man United links rage on | OneFootball

Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has called for the speculation linking Carlos Baleba with a move to Manchester United to finally come to an end, noting that it’s time to give the midfielder a chance to get his season back on track.

United remain interested in Baleba

During the summer transfer window, United explored a move for Baleba after identifying him as their priority midfield target.

Baleba is believed to have been keen on the switch but United pulled out after learning of Brighton’s prohibitive £100m asking price. United failed to bolster their options in the middle of the park and this is a top priority heading into January and the summer of 2026.

Despite his faltering form this term, United’s interest in Baleba remains steadfast. The Cameroonian has been unable to replicate the kind of brilliant performances that initially put him on United’s radar.

His dip in form has been blamed on a lack of focus, caused by the ongoing suggestions that United are still eyeing him.

Baleba was once again taken off at half-time during the weekend as Brighton beat Brentford 2-1.

On Thursday morning, Hurzeler was asked about the 21-year-old. The German coach demanded that talk of Baleba potentially joining United must end.

Hurzeler fires transfer demand

Hurzeler said in a press conference [as quoted by the Manchester Evening News], “I think it is a constant thing that we try to do extra work with him. Every player we try to develop, no matter if he is playing or not, every player we try to get back to his full potential and that is what we try to do, step by step, without putting these kinds of players under pressure.”

“Don’t put Carlos Baleba under pressure and say ‘you must play well’ because of course he wants to play well. It is about the small steps. It is about how he asks for the ball, the positioning he has when he receives the ball. How often he is switched on in trying to react when we lose the ball.”

“These are all kinds of things he can influence and then we try to work with him.”

“Sometimes you need to be patient. Sometimes you need to be more demanding, more ruthless with the players but, overall, you always need to create the right environment and the right supporters around him to give him the right help.”

Asked directly about the United noise, Hurzeler answered, “It’s about being a Brighton player, it’s about performing well here and it is about getting him back to his best level. Avoid the noise, avoid all the rumours and focus on the things you can influence and the things you can do best and that’s football.”

In addition to Baleba, United also have the likes of Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) and Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) on their list.

Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

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