Brighton & Hove Albion are set to beat several Premier League rivals to sign Carlos Baleba as a deal with Lille inches closer.
According to 90 Min, Brighton & Hove Albion are close to agreeing a deal with Lille for midfielder Carlos Baleba. The 19-year-old prodigy had the interest of some of the biggest English clubs, with the Seagulls now set to beat their Premier League rivals.
Carlos Baleba’s emergence ensured Lille had a sufficient replacement for Amadou Onana, who left to join Everton last summer. The 19-year-old prodigy became a solid presence in their midfield for the 2022-23 season, and now he too could move to the Premier League.
After an impressive season in Ligue 1, plenty of Premier League sides had shown an interest right at the start of this window. Those included Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, among others, and yet, Brighton & Hove Albion seem to have the upper hand for the midfielder.
The Seagulls are now set to beat their Premier League rivals for the 19-year-old prodigy and sign him from Lille. Brighton has already submitted an offer, and the two clubs have an agreement in principle for £25.5 million including add-ons, which could see the move finalised in the coming days.
Understand Brighton submitted new proposal for Carlos Baleba — worth €25m plus add-ons. 🚨🔵🇨🇲 #BHAFC
There’s still no agreement between the two clubs, as Lille sources confirm. But been told negotiations continue.
Sambi-Lokonga, just an alternative option for Brighton. pic.twitter.com/Och82kw65J
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 22, 2023
Beating Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool for a 19-year-old prodigy would have seemed unthinkable for a club like Brighton a few years ago. However, the Seagulls are a different animal in the transfer window and on the playing field as they grow in stature.
Arsenal may not necessarily need the midfielder after the arrival of Declan Rice. They are looking to offload a few of their current options, with Sambi Lokonga linked with a move to Brighton. Manchester United and Liverpool have different scenarios considering they still need someone in the middle.
Manchester United have links to Sofyan Ambrabat, while Liverpool remains in contact with Ryan Gravenberch over moves. The Merseysiders, in particular, may have moved away from signing a new holding midfielder for the time being after bringing in Wataru Endo from Stuttgart.
Manchester United may yet decide on bringing a new midfielder, although from the look of things, they could prioritise a new centre-back. With uncertainty brewing at their rivals, Brighton took up the opportunity to prise away one of the promising talents out of France.
Baleba could become the expected replacement option for Moises Caicedo, who left to join Chelsea in a British-record transfer. The 19-year-old could play a significant role under Roberto De Zerbi, as the Seagulls look like a team full of promise.
