Carlos Baleba has reported for Brighton & Hove Albion pre-season testing at Lancing as Fabian Hurzeler begins work on a demanding new campaign.
Brighton players returned to the club’s training ground this week. Baleba was among those pictured as Albion began early fitness checks before a busy summer programme.
New signings Pascal Struijk, Zadok Yohanna and Joao Costinha were also involved. Jack Hinshelwood, Georginio Rutter, Diego Coppola, Matt O’Riley, Danny Welbeck, Olivier Boscagli, Harry Howell, Igor Julio, Amario Cozier-Duberry and Babis Kostoulas were also pictured.
The timing is important for Hurzeler. Brighton begin their competitive season with the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off on Thursday, 20 August.
Their Premier League opener follows three days later. Albion host Aston Villa at the Amex on Sunday, 23 August.
Brighton will first travel to France for a pre-season training camp. They face Annecy behind closed doors on 25 July, before another private friendly against Strasbourg on 1 August.
They then return to the Amex for two home friendlies. Roma visit on 8 August, with Bologna following on 15 August.
ReadBrighton has already covered how Brighton’s France training camp gives Hurzeler a clear European preparation block. Baleba’s early return adds another layer to that work.
Baleba Remains Central To Brighton’s Midfield Plan
Baleba’s presence at Lancing does not end the transfer noise around him. It does, though, give Brighton the cleanest possible starting point.
The Cameroon midfielder continues to be linked with Manchester United. Fabrizio Romano has reported that Baleba would be keen on the move if United made a fresh approach.
TEAMtalk has also reported that United are aware of the player’s interest. So far, no new proposal has been made to Brighton.
That distinction gives Albion control. Interest is not the same as momentum, and Brighton have little reason to rush a decision.
Baleba still carries major value in Hurzeler’s squad. He gives Brighton ball-winning power, carrying strength and recovery pace in midfield.
Those qualities become harder to replace once European football starts. Brighton may soon have to manage a Thursday-Sunday rhythm, so midfield depth will be vital.
Hurzeler has already made his stance clear. After last season’s final-day meeting with Manchester United, he said he “100 per cent” wanted to work with Baleba again this term.
That remains the sensible football view. Brighton have added depth, but losing Baleba would still leave a gap.
ReadBrighton has previously looked at why Manchester United interest in Baleba gives Brighton a familiar transfer decision. Albion’s leverage still comes from patience, not panic.
Brighton Need Stability Before Europe Starts
Baleba’s own comments at the end of last season added some honesty to the situation. He admitted there had been “a lot of low moments”, but said he remained focused on helping Brighton.
That context should not be ignored this summer. Baleba’s previous pre-season was disrupted by persistent transfer links.
Brighton will want to avoid the same uncertainty dragging across July and August. The fixture list leaves little room for drift.
Albion travel to France, return for two Amex friendlies, then move straight into a European play-off. Their Premier League opener follows in the same week.
For Hurzeler, the priority is rhythm. He needs Baleba fit, focused and clear on his role.
Roma and Bologna should give Brighton useful tests before the competitive games arrive. Both matches can help sharpen the defensive structure and midfield balance.
Baleba is still one of the players best suited to protecting that balance. If United want to change the picture, Brighton can set the terms.
Until then, the most useful image for Albion is the one they already have. Baleba is back at Lancing, working with the group, and part of Hurzeler’s plans.
