Joao Pedro reacts to Carlos Baleba’s ‘last’ message amid Brighton exit news
Carlos Baleba caught the attention of teammate Joao Pedro as speculation swirls around both players’ futures at Brighton.
The striker was unexpectedly absent as the Seagulls welcomed Liverpool to the Amex Stadium on Monday, 19 May, to cast doubt over his status at the club, but his midfield teammate was instrumental in the shock 3-2 win over the Reds.
Yasin Ayari’s first-half goal was sandwiched by efforts from Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai, with substitutes Kaoru Mitoma and Jack Hinshelwood saving the day in the final 20 minutes.
While the result meant very little for both sides in the Premier League season, it was still an exciting performance for those at the Amex Stadium, and possibly the last home display from one of their biggest stars.
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool remain interested in Baleba ahead of the summer transfer window, and given his audition in front of the Merseysiders, it is no surprise.
Carlos Baleba could have played final Brighton home game
Taking to Instagram (20 May), Baleba wrote: “Last home game of the season and the fans were amazing! One more final,” gaining a response from Hinshelwood, who replied: “That’s the wrong goal, Carlos.”
The post also caught the attention of teammates Pedro, Lewis Dunk, and Joel Veltman, as well as Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, and Man United’s Leny Yoro.
Fabian Hurzeler to hit the reset button at the Amex Stadium this summer
Football Insider verdict
Fabian Hurzeler was under pressure from Brighton fans just weeks ago, having clashed with the fanbase following the draw with Leicester City, but the fans are behind him now more than ever.
Bart Verbruggen, Tariq Lamptey, and Mitoma have all joined Pedro and Baleba in being linked with exits this summer, and with European qualification unlikely, the players could be tempted to seek new clubs.
Football Insider understands that Liverpool could battle Chelsea and Arsenal for Pedro’s signature, with the player available for £70million this summer.
| Manager | Games | Won | Drawn | Lost | Win % |
| Fabian Hurzeler | 44 | 20 | 13 | 11 | 45.5 |
Only seven other teams in the division have scored more goals than the Seagulls this season, yet keeping clean sheets has been somewhat of an issue away from the Amex Stadium.
That is exactly why fans are excited about the incoming signing of Olivier Boscagli, even before the summer transfer window has opened, with the blueprint clear before the season ends.
Selling the aforementioned players could help raise funds for a total reset under Hurzeler, but after laying the groundwork this season, the manager will want to keep most of his stars if possible.