Brighton CEO denies Manchester United approach for midfielder

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The Football Faithful

·7 de agosto de 2025

Brighton CEO denies Manchester United approach for midfielder

Brighton & Hove Albion’s chief executive, Paul Barber, has dismissed reports linking midfielder Carlos Baleba to Manchester United, stating the club has received no official contact for the player.

Speaking at a club fans’ forum, Barber addressed the transfer rumours directly. “There’s always going to be interest in our players. Manchester United have not been in touch with me. Speculation is speculation,” he said.

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Barber’s comments come during a busy transfer window for Brighton. The club has already sold key players such as João Pedro, Simon Adingra, and Pervis Estupiñán, increasing the importance of retaining other top talents.

The chief executive affirmed the club’s desire to keep the 21-year-old midfielder. Manchester United are understood to have contacted the player’s camp to gauge interest in a move.

“Carlos is a fantastic, fantastic talent,” Barber said. “He’s got a lot of years ahead of him, and we hope he will be here for many years to come.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United are reportedly targeting Baleba as they look to reinforce their midfield. The Old Trafford club has also bolstered their attack this summer with the early signings of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.

Barber acknowledged Brighton’s well-known model of selling players at the right time. However, he stressed the club’s primary goal is to remain competitive.

“We don’t want to sell our best players,” he stated.

He added that the club would only make a sale with the aim of “leaving Fabian [Hürzeler] with a very competitive squad.”

Baleba’s performance in the 2024-25 season certainly underscores his value. In 34 Premier League matches, he recorded three goals, one assist, 46 tackles, and 46 interceptions.

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