The Premier League transfer window has been buzzing with speculation, and Manchester United have been right at the center of it.
But Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has made it crystal clear—he doesn’t see his star midfielder, Carlos Baleba, leaving the Amex this summer.
The 21-year-old, who has quickly established himself as one of the most promising midfielders in England, has been a hot target for United.
Yet despite the rumors and heavy price tags floating around, Brighton’s new head coach believes Baleba is staying put.
Baleba’s Rise to Stardom
Baleba’s journey has been a quick one. Since joining from Lille in 2023, the Cameroon international has developed into one of the league’s standout young talents.
His breakout season in 2024-25 turned plenty of heads, with United eyeing him as the perfect midfield solution.
But talk of a £120 million move has not gone beyond speculation.
United’s efforts to make progress on the deal have stalled, and reports suggesting an agreement was close have been dismissed.
Hurzeler’s Strong Belief
Ahead of Brighton’s season opener against Fulham, Hurzeler was asked about the ongoing transfer noise. His response left no room for doubt.
“Very, very, very confident,” he said with emphasis when asked if Baleba would still be in a Brighton shirt come September.
Pressed further, the German coach kept it short: “It’s just my belief.”
No Distractions for Baleba
While speculation can weigh heavily on players, Hurzeler insisted Baleba hasn’t been distracted by the transfer chatter
. In fact, the only noticeable change has been a new hairstyle.
“I didn’t see any change,” Hurzeler explained. “He seems in a really good place, enjoying his football, enjoying being with his teammates, and grateful for the process he’s had in the last season.”
Hurzeler even confirmed Baleba is in contention to start against Fulham, showing just how settled the midfielder remains.
A Setback for Manchester United
For United, this isn’t the news they wanted to hear. Ruben Amorim’s squad desperately needs midfield reinforcements after their worst-ever Premier League finish last season.
The arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko have boosted the attack, but the midfield remains an issue.
Baleba was top of the wishlist, but Brighton aren’t budging. And to make matters worse, United’s backup plan has also hit a wall.
Hjulmand Deal Collapses
United had been monitoring Sporting Lisbon’s Morten Hjulmand, another midfielder admired by Amorim, who even made him captain during his time in Portugal. But Sporting have shut the door on any move.
The 26-year-old Dane had a release clause of £68 million, but that expired in June.
After already losing striker Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal, Sporting have no intention of letting another key player go this summer.
What’s Next for United?
With their Premier League opener against Arsenal looming, United are running out of options and time.
Amorim has made strengthening the midfield a priority, but as things stand, both Baleba and Hjulmand are out of reach.
That leaves the club facing a tough start to the season without solving one of their most glaring weaknesses.
Unless they pull off a late surprise in the window, United may have to soldier on with the same midfield problems that haunted them last year.