The Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba had been acquired by Brighton and Hove Albion from French team Lille on a five-year agreement as revealed by Premier League outfit on Tuesday.
However, British media speculated that Brighton will pay Lille of Ligue 1 roughly 25 million pounds ($31.64 million) for the 19-year-old. They did not disclose the transfer fee.
Having sold Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool and Moises Caicedo to Chelsea earlier in the transfer window, Brighton were in the market for reinforcements in central midfield.
“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,” head coach Roberto De Zerbi said.
Baleba moved to Lille in January 2022.
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Brighton will host Newcastle United on Saturday in the Premier League.
