Brighton Manager’s Confidence Amid Transfer Speculations
Fabian Hürzeler, the manager of Brighton, expressed confidence regarding potential departures of key players during this transfer period, stating he does not feel anxious about it. Reports from ESPN reveal that Carlos Baleba, a midfielder who joined Brighton from Lille last year, has become a target for Manchester United and Manchester City. Brighton has reportedly set a hefty price tag of €120 million (approximately $139.4 million) for the talented Cameroon international.
Baleba’s Impact and Hürzeler’s Assurance
Last season, Baleba played a crucial role in helping Brighton secure an eighth-place finish in the Premier League, just missing out on a spot in European competitions. During a recent appearance on the BBC’s Monday Night Club podcast, Hürzeler was asked about his concerns regarding retaining top talents. His response was clear:
No chance. I don’t feel fear. I’m not afraid of anything because the only thing we can do is be the best version we can be every day, working as hard as we can.
Hürzeler emphasized that while Brighton may not have the financial muscle of larger clubs, one of their greatest assets lies in their unity and team spirit. He added:
If you stay together and push our limits, I’m sure we can compete with the big teams.
Preparations for the New Season
In preparation for the new season, Brighton has already made several signings, including Charalampos Kostoulas, Maxim De Cuyper, Italian national Diego Coppola, and Tom Watson from Sunderland. Baleba, who missed a recent preseason match against VfL Wolfsburg due to a knee injury, is expected to return for Brighton’s Premier League opener against Fulham on August 16.
Brighton’s Resilience in the Transfer Market
Hürzeler noted that the club is adept at finding solutions to challenges, reflecting on their model of operation which accepts a cycle of gains and losses. Recently, Brighton has successfully sold key players like Moisés Caicedo, João Pedro, and Marc Cucurella for significant sums, reinforcing their reputation as a club that can stand firm amidst transfer pressures. Hürzeler remarked:
We have proven we’re not just selling big players. There have been notable offers for players like Kaoru Mitoma, but we are not in the business of selling every talented player.
He reiterated that with their strong team chemistry, the club is well-equipped to face stronger opponents.
