AliousBrighton Bracing for Battle as Liverpool and Chelsea Target Carlos Baleba**
Brighton & Hove Albion could face a **major fight** to retain **Carlos Baleba** beyond this season, with **Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea** both reportedly eyeing a summer swoop for the talented midfielder.
Liverpool and Chelsea Leading the Chase**
According to **Football Insider**, **Liverpool manager Arne Slot** has identified **Baleba as a priority target** as he looks to bolster his midfield. However, the **Premier League leaders** are not alone in their pursuit, with **Chelsea once again setting their sights on Brighton’s talent pool**.
The **Blues have a history of raiding the Amex Stadium**, having previously signed **goalkeeper Roberto Sanchez, left-back Marc Cucurella, midfielder Moises Caicedo, and even former Brighton manager Graham Potter**. Now, **Baleba has reportedly emerged as their next target** as the club looks to continue its aggressive recruitment strategy.
Baleba’s Rapid Rise at Brighton**
Since arriving from **Lille in August 2023 for £23 million**, the **21-year-old Cameroon international** has developed into a key player for Brighton. **Under both former boss Roberto De Zerbi and current manager Fabian Hurzeler, Baleba has racked up 64 appearances across all competitions**, scoring twice and solidifying his role in midfield.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, with **Liverpool and Chelsea closely monitoring his progress**. **With his contract running until 2028**, Brighton are under **no immediate pressure to sell**, meaning it would take a **significant transfer fee** to lure him away from the south coast.
Chelsea Also Pursuing Bart Verbruggen**
Baleba is not the only Brighton star attracting interest from Stamford Bridge. Just days after reports surfaced about **Chelsea’s interest in Baleba**, it was revealed that **goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen** is also on their summer shortlist.
However, the **22-year-old Dutch shot-stopper is also being targeted by German giants Bayern Munich**, who are reportedly preparing a **£50 million bid** to secure his services.
With **Brighton continuing to produce top-tier talent**, the upcoming transfer window could see **yet another battle for their prized assets**, as **Liverpool, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich** look to make their move.
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