Image source: football365.com
Brighton CEO Paul Barber has denied any contact from Manchester United regarding Carlos Baleba despite reports suggesting the Old Trafford club had renewed their interest in the 22-year-old Cameroonian midfielder during the January transfer window.
Brighton CEO Paul Barber Dismisses Manchester United Transfer Links for Carlos Baleba
United were first interested in Baleba during the summer transfer window but withdrew after Brighton demanded a fee exceeding £100 million. Sky Sports reported on Friday that United had explored signing conditions for a January move, though no deal was expected this month under Ruben Amorim’s management.
Barber categorically dismissed the speculation during an interview with talkSPORT, stating there had been no communication from Old Trafford. “No call from Old Trafford. No call from anyone connected to Manchester United,” the Brighton CEO confirmed. He emphasized that Brighton have no plans or desire to sell Baleba in this window or any future window, describing him as an important player for the second half of the season.
The CEO acknowledged Baleba’s talent and future options while confirming Brighton’s intention to retain the midfielder. “We know he’s a talented player and he’s got a lot of options ahead of him in the future. For us right now, he’s an important player in the second half of the season, and we’re looking forward to getting him back from AFCON,” Barber explained.
Liverpool have also been linked with Baleba according to reports from Caught Offside, with Brighton reportedly fielding multiple enquiries this month. A source suggested that while teams would ideally sign him in January, Brighton’s message remains that such a move will not be possible, though no one expects him to stay beyond the summer.
Amorim stated at Friday’s press conference that United have no conversations about squad changes during the January window. “The transfer window is not going to change. We have no conversations at this moment to have any change in the squad,” the United manager confirmed, adding that the club’s focus remains on winning the next game rather than transfer activity.
