OFFICIAL: Brighton sign Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba for €30m package

Carlos Baleba joins Brighton from Lille.

The 19-year-old has joined on a five-year deal, until June 2028.

Men’s first team head coach Roberto De Zerbi 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.”

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

Having made 13 appearances for Lille’s B team, he made his first-team debut last September as a substitute in a 1-0 win against Lens.

His first Ligue 1 start came in January in a goalless draw with Stade Brestois, and he went onto make 19 league appearances during the 2022/23 season. He made a further two appearances this season.