Carlos Baleba joined Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday and could not hide his delight to sign for Roberto De Zerbi’s Seagulls.
The 19-year old is one of the most promising stars across Africa and is regarded as the perfect replacement for Moises Caicedo who joined Chelsea earlier this month.
The Cameroonian penned a five-year contract with Brighton and is set to taste the Premier League for the first time in his career.
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“We are delighted to confirm the signing of Carlos Baleba from Lille, for undisclosed terms. The 19-year-old has joined on a five-year deal, until June 2028”, BHAFC wrote in their statement.
“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 added.
Speaking on the move himself, Baleba said : “I feel very happy to be a Premier League player for Brighton, it was a big dream for me.”
“I was really happy to meet my new teammates and even though I’m not on the pitch, yet I can see there is a really good atmosphere [here].
“I really liked my last season for Lille,” he added. “I improved and could show my qualities and abilities as a player. It’s because of that hard work I’m here today.
“My qualities that can help the team include my ability to drive forward with the ball into space and combining [with my teammates] in small spaces. I’m a box to box midfielder, I can do everything!
“My objective is to help the team be the best they can and to finish in the best position in the table. Personally, I’m looking forward to scoring my first goal.”