Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler remains confident despite swirling transfer rumors surrounding key players, particularly midfielder Carlos Baleba. As Premier League giants Manchester United and Manchester City reportedly express interest in Baleba, Hurzeler asserts that there's no "fear" of losing vital team members during this transfer window.
Brighton has reportedly set a substantial £103 million asking price for the Cameroonian international, who joined the club from Lille in 2023. Baleba has been a consistent presence in Brighton's lineup, with 61 Premier League appearances over two seasons, contributing to the team's eleventh and eighth-place finishes. He has three goals and one assist.
Hurzeler addressed the transfer speculation on the BBC's Monday Night Club podcast, responding to concerns about potential player departures. "No chance. I don’t feel fear," he stated, emphasizing the club’s focus on self-improvement and unity. He acknowledged Brighton's financial limitations compared to larger clubs, but emphasized the importance of togetherness and pushing boundaries.
Brighton has been proactive in the transfer market, securing signings such as Charalampos Kostoulas, Maxim De Cuyper, Italian international Diego Coppola, and Tom Watson from Sunderland.
Despite a recent knee injury sidelining Baleba from a pre-season friendly against Wolfsburg, he is expected to be fit for Brighton’s Premier League opener against Fulham on August 16.
Hurzeler also commented on Brighton's strategic approach to player departures, highlighting the club's history of finding solutions and maintaining resilience. The club has earned a reputation for generating significant transfer fees, with players like Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro, and Marc Cucurella moving on for substantial sums.
Hurzeler clarified that while the club does sell players, they don't sell every key player as he mentioned they had offers for Kaoru Mitoma. He stressed the balance between player sales and retaining core talent, emphasizing the importance of team chemistry in competing with bigger clubs.
