Rumoured Liverpool target Carlos Baleba responds to transfer interest

Rumoured Liverpool target Carlos Baleba has responded to rumours linking him with a move away from Brighton.

The 20-year-old moved to Europe from Cameroon in 2022 when he joined French side Lille. Last summer, he signed for Premier League side Brighton after the Seagulls lost Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo to Liverpool and Chelsea respectively.

After a slow start to life in the south coast, Baleba has added goals to his game this season under new head coach Fabian Hurzeler. The midfielder has scored two goals and registered two assists in his 10 appearances for Brighton this term.

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TalkSPORT reported last month that Liverpool are among the clubs with a long standing interest in Baleba, but Brighton are under no pressure to sell the youngster. He signed a long-term contract when he joined the club last year, and his current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2028, although it does have the option of a further year.

When asked about the links to Premier League rivals, Baleba emphasised he is not focused on other clubs. At 20 years of age, he is eager to keep progressing and hinted he may not be ready to be a star player at a top club.

"I don’t really think like that: playing for two or three years and then leaving. Me? I just work. In my head it’s all about working and helping my club," Baleba told Sky Sports.

"If I can help a team-mate, I will. If they can help me, I’ll accept that help to push forward and develop. So, I just work to help my team and for myself, to progress for the future.

"In return, everyone who helps me wants me to go to the highest level. And if there are big clubs who want me, it’s not something that worries me or gets me excited. I just need to work hard and keep a cool head.

"I don’t know if I’m going to be the star or the next big thing. For me, being the star is quite a lot. Everyone talking about you, singing your name? That just doesn’t do it for me.

"It’s not something that gets me running. I just prefer getting my head down and working on the pitch."