Solly March has declared himself “ready for what’s next” as the former Brighton & Hove Albion winger continues preparing for the next stage of his career.
March left Albion when his contract expired at the end of June, ending a 13-year spell on the south coast.
The 31-year-old has since travelled to Doha for warm-weather training. In an Instagram update from Qatar, he wrote: “Working in the heat and ready for what’s next.”
March has been linked with several English clubs since his Brighton departure. Newcastle United and Everton are among those credited with interest, while Crystal Palace, Fulham and Nottingham Forest have also been mentioned.
No agreement with another club has been reported. His latest update does, however, show he is continuing to work independently before the new domestic season.
March prepares for life after Brighton
March made his 300th Brighton appearance during May’s final-day defeat by Manchester United at the Amex Stadium.
It brought an emotional end to a career with Albion which began after his arrival from Lewes in 2013. He scored 26 goals and registered 31 assists during his 300 appearances.
The winger helped Brighton win promotion to the Premier League under Chris Hughton before later representing the club in European competition.
His final seasons were heavily affected by knee injuries. March returned from two serious setbacks but struggled to earn regular minutes under Fabian Hürzeler during the 2025/26 campaign.
Brighton confirmed in May that March would leave when his contract expired. The club’s farewell included a letter from the player in which he reflected on promotion, European football and his long recovery from injury.
His experience and ability to operate in several wide roles could still appeal to Premier League clubs. A move to the Championship may also offer a clearer route to regular football.
Brighton’s live summer transfer coverage has followed the departures and arrivals reshaping Hürzeler’s squad. March is now preparing for his own fresh start away from the Amex.
Baleba interest cools as United consider alternatives
Carlos Baleba’s position appears more settled, despite Manchester United retaining an interest in the Cameroon international.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Baleba remains keen on a move to Old Trafford. However, United have not returned with a formal approach or proposal to Brighton.
Romano described the situation as “a little bit cold” and named Roma midfielder Manu Koné among United’s main options. Eduardo Camavinga has also reportedly been discussed internally, although the Real Madrid player is not pushing to leave Spain.
United are looking for another midfielder after adding Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to Michael Carrick’s squad.
According to reports relaying Romano’s transfer update, Koné is viewed as a leading option for the defensive work required alongside United’s new midfield arrivals.
Baleba remains a more expensive target. Brighton’s asking price is believed to have fallen from the £100m figure associated with him last summer, but a deal could still require around £70m.
The 22-year-old also enters the summer after a less influential campaign. He made 31 Premier League appearances last season but did not score or provide an assist.
Read Brighton has already examined why United have cooled their Baleba interest, with price and the midfielder’s form both affecting their position.
Brighton retain control over Baleba decision
Baleba has reported for Brighton’s pre-season programme and remains under contract until 2028. Albion also hold an option for another year.
Hürzeler therefore has little reason to plan without him unless Brighton’s valuation is met.
The midfielder’s power, recovery pace and ball-carrying remain valuable qualities within the Brighton squad. His age also gives him time to recover from an inconsistent season.
United’s interest has not disappeared completely, but Koné and Camavinga now appear to sit higher in their thinking. Brighton can continue preparing with Baleba while their former team-mate March waits for the right opportunity to begin again elsewhere.
