Overview

• Manchester United explored a summer deal but backed off when Brighton declared the midfielder not for sale and set a price reported around £100–£115m.
• Baleba was left out of the starting XI for Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth, making a 24-minute cameo in his first Premier League non-start of the season.
• Fabian Hurzeler said the speculation has affected the player mentally and called for patience and support to help him recover form.
• The Cameroon international has three years left on his deal, with Brighton holding a 12-month option to 2029, and the club are under no pressure to sell at their valuation.
• Reports indicate United still view Baleba as a priority and could revisit a transfer in 2026, while a separate report claims Liverpool may attempt a January move despite Brighton’s stance.