Roberto De Zerbi praises Carlos Baleba as the ‘future of the club’ as Brighton signs the Lille midfielder for £23.2 million.
Carlos Baleba has been acquired by Brighton in a £23.2 million transfer from Ligue 1 club Lille. According to Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi, “Carlos is a very good player.” Although he is relatively young, he is the ideal player for our style. He will be the club’s future.
Carlos Baleba, a 19-year-old midfielder, has been acquired by Brighton from Lille for $23.2 million.
The adolescent from Cameroon is here on a five-year contract.
He made his first-team debut in September as a substitute in a 1-0 victory over Lens after making 13 appearances for Lille’s B squad.
In January 2022, Baleba relocated to Lille after playing academy football in his native country.
David Weir, technical director, continued, “We are overjoyed to be able to welcome Carlos to the club.
In January 2022, Baleba relocated to Lille after playing academy football in his native country.
David Weir, technical director, continued, “We are overjoyed to be able to welcome Carlos to the club.
He will need some time to adjust to his surroundings, our culture, and the language because he is 19; he will receive all the help he needs to do so, and we are forward to see him in action.
Baleba is viewed as Moises Caicedo’s replacement, though the club is also considering Albert Sami Lokonga of Arsenal.
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OFFICIAL | BRIGHTON SIGN CARLOS BALEBA FROM LILLE
Carlos Baleba, a midfielder from Cameroon, has been officially signed by Brighton from Lille. Baleba secures a 5-year contract with The Seagulls at the American Express Community Stadium through 2028 for a rumored sum of €30 million.
As Lille refused to lower their asking price, Brighton was apparently investigating alternatives to Baleba, including Arsenal’s Albert Sambi-Lokonga. Nevertheless, Brighton was able to reach an understanding with Les Dogues and complete a deal for the 19-year-old.
The potential midfielder is viewed as Brighton’s replacement for Moisés Caicedo, who joined Chelsea for a British record deal of £115 million, despite his inexperience, having made just 23 senior games to date. Following the signing of Baleba, his new manager Roberto De Zerbi remarked, “Carlos is a very talented player. Although he is relatively young, he is the ideal player for our style. He will be the club’s future.