Game-Changer Unveiled: Brighton Secure £232m Deal for Lille Midfielder Carlos Baleba as Manager Roberto De Zerbi Celebrates Club's Bright Future

Brighton have completed the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Carlos Baleba from Lille for £23.2m.

The Cameroon-born teenager arrives on a five-year deal.

After participating in 13 matches for Lille's B team, he had his inaugural appearance for the first team as a substitute last September in a triumphant 1-0 victory against Lens.

He received his first opportunity to start in a Ligue 1 match in January, contributing to a goalless draw with Stade Brestois. Throughout the 2022/23 season, he played in a total of 19 league matches. Additionally, he has made two more appearances in the current season.

"Carlos is a very good player. He's very young but a specific player for our style. He will be the future of the club," said head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

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Baleba has signed a five-year deal at Brighton

Baleba made the move to Lille in January 2022, having played academy football in his homeland.

Technical director David Weir added: "We are really happy to be able to bring Carlos to the club.

He is 19 years old and will require some time to adjust to his unfamiliar environment, our customs, and the language. We will provide him with all the necessary support to facilitate this transition, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing his performance. Baleba is considered a potential replacement for Moises Caicedo, while the club is also showing interest in Albert Sami Lokonga from Arsenal.

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