Brighton Says No Deal: Baliba Stays Put as United’s Interest Fades

Brighton states Baliba won’t be sold to Manchester United

Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Paul Barber publicly refuted persistent rumours linking Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baliba with a move to Manchester United, confirming he will not leave in January or in any future transfer window.

Baliba is currently away with Cameroon at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he is expected to contribute as the Lions advance into the knockout stages, starting with tonight’s clash against South Africa.

Context and transfer history

Barber told TalkSport that Brighton has not received any inquiry from Old Trafford or anyone connected to Manchester United. He underscored Baliba’s value for the second half of the season and the club’s plans once AFCON concludes.

TalkSport has suggested that any potential deal could exceed Brighton’s record outgoing fee, which stood at 115 million pounds for Moises Caicedo. In the past four years, Brighton have secured several large signings, including Caicedo (115m), Marc Cucurella (63m), Joao Pedro (60m), Alexis Mac Allister (55m), and Ben White (50m).

Despite ongoing speculation, Brighton insist Baliba is not for sale in this window or in any future window. They stress that his presence in the squad for the remainder of the season is crucial, and they expect to reintegrate him after his AFCON duties are complete.

Baliba’s potential value has been a talking point, but the club remains focused on their current campaign and his contribution upon return. The narrative around a possible sale has not altered Brighton’s long-term plans for the midfielder.

Sniper punchline: If patience were a transfer fee, Brighton would own the league by now. | Sniper punchline 2: If United wait any longer, Baliba may start negotiating with the sofa—because that’s where all the best offers seem to stick in January.