Brighton close to reaching an agreement with Lille over £25m deal for Carlos Baleba

Brighton are closing on agreement with Lille for Carlos Baleba after offering a £25million deal. 

The 19-year-old was on the bench for Lille against Lorient on Sunday. 

Baleba could replace Moises Caicedo, who joined Chelsea for £100million plus £15million in add-ons.

The prospect, who was born in Cameroon, is a product of Lille’s academy.

Baleba has has made 24 appearances in total for Lille since making his debut in August 2022.

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi wants to strengthen in midfield, with Baleba a key target

He is a strong, left-footed, all rounder who can break up the play and drive forward with the ball.

As one Premier League scout observed: ‘There is very little missing in his game. He has speed, technical ability, aggression and intelligence. He will develop more physically too as he’s only 19.’

So far in this transfer window Brighton have signed Bart Verbruggen, Joao Pedro, Mahmoud Dahoud, James Milner and Igor Julio. 

Brighton are eager to bring in a midfielder following Moises Caicedo’s move to Chelsea