Overview

• Carlos Baleba was left out of Brighton’s XI at Bournemouth and played 24 minutes in a 2-1 defeat after a slow start to the season that followed a missed pre-season.
• Fabian Hürzeler said the media coverage around the 21-year-old has affected him and pledged to give the player time and support.
• Manchester United made enquiries in the summer but halted a move when Brighton said he was not for sale and set a valuation in the £100–115m range, referencing Moises Caicedo’s fee.
• Baleba has three years remaining on his contract, with a club option that can extend the deal by 12 months to 2029.
• Reports indicate United plan to revisit the pursuit next year, and separate reporting suggests Brighton could consider a sale after the season if valuations rise.