Brighton and Hove Albion have reached an agreement with Lille over the proposed transfer of Carlos Baleba, according to multiple sources. The young midfielder is considered a good candidate to replace Moises Caicedo in the ranks of Roberto De Zerbi.
The Seagulls have demonstrated an incredible ability to unleash young talents that have been rapidly turning into top players in recent years. Caicedo was sold to Chelsea for £115m just 18 months after being bought for around £25m. He spent six of those months on loan at Belgian side Beerschot. Players like Julio Enciso (19), Evan Ferguson (18) and Joao Pedro (21) could also make similar profits in the near future. At the age of 19, Baleba may soon be on this list too.
Baleba joined Lille’s B-team from Cameroonian club Brasseries in January 2022, and it took him just six months to secure promotion to the first team there. For the Ligue 1 team, he made 23 appearances in all competitions, providing two assists.
Carlos Baleba to Brighton, let’s go! Verbal agreement reached with Lille for a fixed fee of €27 million plus allowances of €3 million and an included sell clause 🚨🔵 #BHAFC
Personal conditions agreed, medical booked.
The midfielder born in 2004 will replace Caicedo.
Exclusive from two weeks ago, confirmed. pic.twitter.com/njZCjbzzWp
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2023