Brighton face Fulham on Saturday, and head coach Fabian Hurzeler was bullish in his pre-match press conference about the future od Manchester United target Carlos Baleba
Fabian Hurzeler's Fulham Press Conference
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has been questioned about Carlos Baleba
(Image: YouTube/Official Brighton & Hove Albion FC)
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler was asked plenty of questions about Manchester United target Carlos Baleba as his side prepares to take on Fulham. He is confident that the 21-year-old, thought to be valued in excess of £100million, will be staying put this summer.
Despite already parting with over £200m to bolster Ruben Amorim's forward line with trio Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, the Red Devils are now looking to boost their midfield ranks. The Seagulls' young Cameroonian sits atop the club's shortlist, and contact was reportedly made last week.
Before Brighton kick off their new season against Fulham on Saturday, head coach Hurzeler was asked a series of questions about Baleba. The Manchester Evening News examines how he answered them, including a bullish stance on the youngster's future.
It is now thought that United have decided to delay a move for the 21-year-old because of such an eye-watering £100m plus valuation. Interest is to be renewed next year, and though not all hope has been lost, senior sources at the club believe that a deal in this window before September 1 is not likely.
The Cameroonian is contracted to Brighton until 2028. With Moises Caicedo moving to Chelsea just two years ago for a then-British record of £115m under similar circumstances, the Seagulls have a ballpark figure to demand.
Regardless, in Hurzeler's mind, any move for the pricey Baleba will certainly have to wait until the completion of this upcoming Premier League season. Here's what he said about the United target on Friday as three key questions were answered...
New Manchester United signings Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha pose together with team shirts prior to the pre-season friendly match between United and Fiorentina
United have already spent big on Mbeumo, Sesko and Cunha this summer
How confident are you that Carlos Baleba will be a Brighton player come the end of the window?
Hurzeler: "Very, very, very confident [that he will not leave]. Yes. This is just my belief."
How has Carlos Baleba been dealing with this speculation?
Hurzeler: "I didn't see any change in him. He only changed his hair, so I think that was the only change he made in the last two weeks! But overall, he seems to be in a really good place.
Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba
The midfielder emerged as a United target this month
"He's enjoying it with his team-mates. He's enjoying being a Brighton player. He's very grateful to have the progress he made in the last season. So I didn't see any big change."
Will Carlos Baleba play against Fulham?
Hurzeler: "He is an option to start tomorrow, yes. Now I only have to mention two names [out injured]. It's a big change compared to last season. So a big thank you to my medical staff, to my physios.
"They did a great job during the summer, so the only players are not available are Adam Webster and Solly March, they are the long-term ones.
"I don't know the clear schedule about them but all the other players are available. So it's a big change and a positive change, and hopefully it stays like this."
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