EPL: Brighton complete signing of Carlos Baleba from Lille

English club, Brighton have completed the £23.2m signing of 19-year-old midfielder Carlos Baleba from Ligue 1 club, Lille.

The 19-year-old who is expected to replace Moises Caicedo in Roberto de Zerbi’s squad after his record £115m move to Chelsea, made his senior debut for Lille 12 months ago but is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in European football.

His first Ligue 1 start came in January in a goalless draw with Stade Brestois, and he went on to make 19 league appearances during the 2022/23 season.

Brighton’s head coach Roberto De Zerbi who spoke about the new signing said;

“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.”

Technical director David Weir added;

“We are really happy to be able to bring Carlos to the club. He’s 19 and will need some time to get used to his new surroundings, our culture, and the language; he will get all the support he needs to make that transition and we’re looking forward to seeing him in action.”

19-year-old Carlos Baleba who signed a five year deal with Brighton, played two games in the current campaign for Lille before being left on the bench in their 4-1 defeat by Lorient on Sunday, August 27.

He is Brighton’s sixth new recruit during a summer that has seen a number of key players depart the club.

Attacker Joao Pedro joined Brighton from Watford for just under £30m, while goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen arrived from Anderlecht for £16.3m.