Latest news with #Hurzeler
New York Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Why Manchester United may find themselves in an auction for Brighton's Baleba next summer
It is no surprise that Carlos Baleba has attracted interest from Manchester United in this transfer window. It does not require much imagination, either, to envisage a scramble of heavyweight clubs vying to sign Brighton & Hove Albion's central midfielder during next summer's transfer window. Baleba showed glimpses of his talent on his return to action in Saturday's opening 1-1 draw for Fabian Hurzeler's side against Fulham at the Amex Stadium after United stepped back from their pursuit of the 21-year-old Cameroon international. Advertisement 'Good against the ball, he can be better in possession, but that's something we have to work with him,' was Hurzeler's verdict when asked by The Athletic about Baleba's first minutes for a month following a pre-season knee injury. 'We are very pleased that he's a bright player and that's why he stays with us, because he knows that he still has a lot of potential and, together with him, we want to make the next step and give him the help he needs to improve. He will get more and more important for us during the season.' It was not just the luminous green boots that made Baleba stand out during the game. His first involvement saw him swivel away from Fulham's midfield prospect Josh King in a tight space inside his own half. Intercepting goalkeeper Bernd Leno's attempt to find King also drew applause from home supporters, who have become used to Baleba shining. There were moments of rawness and rustiness as well on Baleba's return — he had featured in only two lots of 45 minutes across the pre-season programme — before he was substituted after 69 minutes. For example, he was caught in possession, which led to Kaoru Mitoma fouling Harry Wilson and presenting Fulham with a free kick in a threatening position. But the growth in Baleba's game and confidence levels is palpable. 'It is very helpful to have him behind you, that's for sure,' said Brighton's No 10 Matt O'Riley, who scored a penalty against his former club only to see it cancelled out by Fulham substitute Rodrigo Muniz in the 96th minute. 'It makes my life easier because he just smashes everyone, which is nice. I am very happy if we keep him.' Baleba is no longer the rather shy 19-year-old who conducted his first interview for the club in French after moving from Lille for £26million ($35.2m) in August 2023 as the replacement for Moises Caicedo, who had just moved to Chelsea. Baleba went on to make a modest 15 Premier League starts in his debut 2023-24 season under former head coach Roberto De Zerbi. Advertisement The number of starts he made last season leapt to 31 out of a possible 38 under Hurzeler. The only outfield team-mate to make more was Dutch central defender Jan Paul van Hecke (33). As the season progressed, there were notable improvements in Baleba's fitness, stamina and concentration levels — signs that he was maturing into a high-class Premier League player. An increasingly accomplished grasp of English, aided by language lessons, has been crucial to Baleba's development. It has enabled him to absorb tactical details and communicate more easily with team-mates during games. A club source, granted anonymity to protect relationships, describes his improvement in speaking and understanding English across last season as 'off the scale', to the extent that he has become one of the dressing room's jokers. This newfound confidence is evident in the number of times Baleba features in club tunnel footage before matches and training, whistling, dancing and playing to the camera. It was also on display during the squad's pre-season training camp in Spain. Baleba was a cheerleader on the touchline. His vocal encouragement for team-mates during games could be easily heard. At the beginning of the trip to Marbella in July, Baleba showed off his ball skills. He has never lacked faith in his own ability. Asked in that first interview about a role model in his youth, he said it used to be Paul Pogba, 'but it is not the case any more. I'm my own favourite player now'. So good from Carlos… — Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) July 14, 2025 So where does all this leave Brighton's ability to hold onto the latest central midfield jewel in their recruitment crown, now that Manchester United have conceded their pursuit? Well, in the same position as it is with any of the club's players — they are effectively all for sale, but the club do not want to sell, do not need to sell and will only do so if the price and the circumstances are right for them. Caicedo's £115m move to Chelsea — a British record — was the guide price for United. Even if a bid in that ballpark had been tabled, Brighton would have been reluctant to lose Baleba with the transfer window only a fortnight away from closing. They have plenty of midfielders, but Baleba is the best and by far the most valuable. United did not help their cause by failing to convey their interest — which emerged via intermediaries in what amounted to a fact-finding mission before eventually becoming club-to-club — much sooner in the window. Advertisement As part of the succession planning for which Brighton have become renowned, they signed Mali-born Ivory Coast prospect Malick Yalcouye from Swedish club Gothenburg for £7.6m last summer. The 19-year-old shone on loan at Sturm Graz in the Champions League and the Austrian Bundesliga last season. He is a bright prospect, but he is not ready yet to replace Baleba. Instead, Yalcouye is spending the season on loan with Swansea City in the Championship. Next summer could be different if Baleba's progress continues. Should Manchester United retain their interest, they could find themselves in a long queue of admirers willing to take the plunge. At Brighton, there is an acceptance that, timing-wise, with the strong possibility of a bidding war, that would be the time to sell. Baleba is not the finished article. Why would he be at 21, after two seasons in the Premier League and only eight senior league starts for Lille? Hurzeler, asked on Friday about what he is looking for from Baleba this season, told reporters: 'Making the next step — getting more mature in decision-making, getting more mature regarding game management, being more consistent in the performances that we expect from him.' If he meets those targets, Baleba is destined to become one of the transfer stories of the 2026 summer window. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Brighton 1-1 Fulham: What Hurzeler said
Brighton drew 1-1 to Fulham in their opening Premier League fixture and boss Fabian Hurzeler believes his team should look at the positives. "For sure it feels painful," Hurzeler told BBC Sport. "It's really important to take the positives away. We played well and defended good. We should score the second goal and I think the game would be over. That's football."It's very difficult to say [if they could have defended the equaliser better]. It's more about avoiding the corner. The ball is deflected so it's not easy to defend. We have to accept it."We controlled most of the first half, although there were not a load of chances. We had to be patient."
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Fulham Premier League prediction, odds and betting offer
The Albion will be looking to secure European football this season while Fulham seek to break into the top 10 in the Premier League Brighton and Hove Albion set out to iron out their rough edges as Fulham visit the Amex Stadium, with both clubs keen to turn tidy foundations into something more ambitious this season. Last term was a study in contrasts for the Seagulls. They closed the campaign five unbeaten after a five‑match winless run, toppled Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, yet were thumped 7–0 by Nottingham Forest. Even with the rollercoaster, eighth place marked a respectable return in Fabian Hurzeler's first year, adding 13 points on the tally compared with Roberto De Zerbi's final season. The 32‑year‑old's high‑wire approach drew admiration and a few raised eyebrows. Brighton's defence was the leakiest among the top‑half sides, and they recorded only eight clean sheets – the same as relegation scrappers Wolverhampton Wanderers. Hurzeler's challenge now is to keep the progressive intent while tightening the back door, especially when protecting leads. There has been notable turnover. Pervis Estupinan and Joao Pedro have departed, while Diego Coppola, Tom Watson, Charalampos Kostoulas, Olivier Boscagli and Maxim De Cuyper headline the arrivals. Most are long‑range projects rather than box‑office names, but Brighton's recruitment department has earned trust by finding players who grow quickly into the system. Expect minutes to be shared early as Hurzeler calibrates his defence and reshapes the front line's pressing cues. Fulham, 11th last season, have prioritised continuity. Back‑up goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte is the lone addition so far, and crucially no key outfielders have been sold. Marco Silva remains at the helm after links with Tottenham Hotspur faded when the north London club appointed Thomas Frank. Reports suggest Silva would like more arrivals, and with the deadline set for 1 September, time is tight. Without significant reinforcement, a genuine push for Europe looks a tall order. In this league, standing still is a risk. Even so, Fulham's settled dressing room, compact out‑of‑possession shape and efficiency from wide areas keep them awkward opponents, particularly away from home when they can counter into space. Brighton vs Fulham Brighton - 9/10 Draw - 13/5 Fulham - 3/1 18+ | Gamble responsibly | | Odds subject to change Brighton vs Fulham Brighton to win to nil - 12/5 Danny Welbeck to score anytime - 9/5 Correct score 2-0 - 8/1 18+ | Gamble responsibly | | Odds subject to change Brighton vs FulhamB If you are on the lookout for the latest free bet offers, then look no further. Here, not only do we bring you numerous free bet offers, but all from the very best betting sites in the industry. Each bookie we recommend is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, so you know you are always betting on a safe and trustworthy site. Check out the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers here. Gamble responsibly Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too. We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd make final transfer decision as three key Carlos Baleba questions are answered
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler spoke about the future of Manchester United target Carlos Baleba in his pre-match press conference and was confident about keeping his star man at the club Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has faced a barrage of questions about Manchester United's interest in Carlos Baleba. However, he remains confident that the £100million-rated youngster will stay put this summer. United already splashed out over £200m to strengthen Ruben Amorim's attack with the likes of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, following a lengthy saga, and Bryan Mbeumo all recruited. The Red Devils are now keen to bolster their midfield and some United stars are believed to have even reached out to Baleba in order to convince him to move to Old Trafford. The Seagulls' young Cameroonian star is top of United's wish list, and it's reported that contact was made last week, although United do have alternatives in mind. Ahead of Brighton's season opener against Fulham on Saturday, head coach Hurzeler fielded numerous queries about Baleba, with the German showing a defiant stance on his young star. It's now believed that United have decided to postpone a move for the 21-year-old due to his hefty £100m plus price tag. Interest is set to be reignited next year, and while all hope isn't lost, senior figures at the club think a deal in this transfer window before 1 September is unlikely. Baleba is tied to Brighton until 2028 so the club aren't under any pressure to sell. With Moises Caicedo's move to Chelsea two years ago setting a then-British record of £115m under similar circumstances, the Seagulls have a benchmark figure to demand, reports the Manchester Evening News. Nevertheless, in Hurzeler's view, any potential move for the costly Baleba will definitely have to wait until this current Premier League campaign concludes. Here's what he revealed about the United target on Friday as three crucial questions were addressed. 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. "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."
Leader Live
4 days ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Man Utd transfer news: Fabian Hurzeler sure Carlos Baleba will stay at Brighton
Forward trio Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have moved to Old Trafford this summer and it seems United are out to reinforce their midfield before the transfer window closes on September 1. It has been reported that Baleba fits the bill for United boss Ruben Amorim, but the Cameroonian, who joined Brighton from Lille in August 2023, still has three years remaining on his contract. Hurzeler was bullish when asked whether Baleba will remain with the Seagulls this season, adding the 21-year-old is enjoying being at the club and has not been distracted by United's rumoured interest. 'I didn't see any change in Carlos… he only changed his hair.' 😅 @MonsterEnergy 📲 — Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) August 15, 2025 'Very, very, very confident (he will stay),' Hurzeler told a press conference ahead of Brighton's Premier League curtain-raiser at home to Fulham on Saturday. 'It's just my belief. 'I didn't see any change in him. He only changed his hair, that was the only change he made in the last two weeks! 'But overall, he seems to be in a really good place. 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. I didn't see any big change. He is an option to start for tomorrow.'
