Premier League star urged to snub ‘inferior’ Chelsea for Liverpool

Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has been told to push for a move to Liverpool as Chelsea – another club he is being linked with – are a ‘step below the Premier League leaders.

Baleba, 21, has caught the eye of several clubs during two impressive seasons at Brighton.

Brighton spent £23m to sign then-teenage star Baleba from Lille in 2023 and are braced for offers for the midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window.

Chelsea and Liverpool have both expressed interest in a summer deal but Baleba should be doing all he can to secure a move to Anfield, according to one of his compatriots.

Asked about the speculation over Baleba’s future, ex-Cameroon striker Bernard Tchoutang told Africa Foot: ‘The transfer figures don’t concern him. He’s got a good head on his shoulders, he’s very well looked after, especially by his parents.

‘I don’t think he’ll be disturbed by these very high sums. The question is whether he’s ready to leave next summer for a big club.

‘Staying one more season at Brighton wouldn’t be a problem. But I think he’s indeed ready to be transferred.

‘I might not have answered you the same thing if he had played in another championship. I would have felt that staying one more season at the same club was the wisest decision.

‘But this is his second season in England and if the best clubs in the country are interested in him, it is because they believe he has the level.

‘For me, Liverpool is the club that would suit him best! And I’m not just saying that because they’re by far the best team in the Premier League this season and one of the strongest in Europe.

‘Arne Slot’s system of play would suit him very well. The Reds like to attack, press and make quick transitions. We also know that this is a club that knows how to trust young players and give them responsibility.

‘As for Chelsea, I’m not sure it would be a good choice. The team is having a decent season, but it’s a step below Liverpool.

‘And I think that Baleba has what it takes to play for one of the best teams in England! He’s ready for it and he’s working hard for it.’

Baleba was signed by ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi but he has continued to feature heavily under current Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler.

Brighton have enjoyed a productive run since the New Year to climb to eighth in the Premier League, just four points outside the Champions League places.

Hurzeler’s side have also reached the latter stages of the FA Cup and face Newcastle United on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals.

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