Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba was conspicuously absent from the squad for their final pre-season friendly against Wolfsburg, a 2-0 victory behind closed doors, fueling speculation about a potential move to Manchester United. The 21-year-old Cameroonian international, who has been linked with a £104 million transfer to Old Trafford, has not featured in Brighton’s last four pre-season matches, including games against Las Palmas, Coventry City, and Southampton. Despite transfer rumors intensified by reports of Manchester United’s interest, Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler attributed Baleba’s absence to a minor knee issue sustained during training after a 3-1 win over Stoke City in Spain, dismissing any immediate connection to the transfer talk. Baleba was present at Brighton’s Lancing training ground, watching his teammates secure the win with goals from Brajan Gruda and Jeremy Sarmiento.
The transfer buzz surrounding Baleba stems from Manchester United’s ongoing pursuit of a dynamic midfielder to fit Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, with the Red Devils reportedly making contact with Baleba’s representatives. Brighton’s chief executive Paul Barber, however, firmly denied any direct approach from United, stating at a recent fans’ forum that “speculation is speculation” and emphasizing Baleba’s importance to the Seagulls’ long-term plans. The young midfielder, who started 18 of Brighton’s 20 Premier League matches this season and recorded three goals and one assist, is seen as a cornerstone of Hurzeler’s squad, with the club expecting him to stay until at least next summer. United’s interest, bolstered by endorsements from figures like Rio Ferdinand, who praised Baleba’s “ruthless” style, faces a steep hurdle with Brighton’s £104 million valuation and a 20% sell-on clause owed to Lille.
Baleba’s absence has sparked debate, with some fans on social media platforms like X speculating that the “knock” could be a convenient cover for transfer negotiations, especially given United’s reported willingness to offer players in a deal to lower the fee. Posts on X, including one from @s_morton27, clarified that Baleba’s absence is due to his ongoing recovery from the knee injury, with Brighton sources insisting he is not for sale this summer. The club’s hierarchy remains confident in retaining Baleba, whose 2.8 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per 90 minutes highlight his defensive tenacity, complementing his 82.4% pass completion rate. Hurzeler’s cautious approach to managing Baleba’s minutes, as seen in his substitution during a 2-2 draw against Wolves last season, suggests a focus on ensuring his long-term fitness.
As Brighton prepare for their Premier League opener against Everton, Baleba’s status remains a focal point. While Manchester United’s interest persists, with reports from The Athletic’s David Ornstein noting ongoing talks with Baleba’s camp, Brighton’s firm stance and the player’s contentment at the Amex Stadium make a transfer before the September 1 deadline unlikely. The Seagulls’ ability to fend off interest from United and other clubs like Manchester City, who have also monitored Baleba, underscores their ambition to build around their young star. For now, Baleba’s recovery from his minor injury takes precedence, with Brighton fans hopeful their midfield prodigy will be back in action to kick off the 2025-26 campaign in style.[](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/carlos-baleba-absence-explained-for-brighton-against-wolfsburg-amid-man-united-latest-5264385)[](https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/25378066.carlos-baleba-misses-brighton-game-amid-manchester-united-talk/)
