Who is Carlos Baleba? The Brighton midfielder touted as 'the next Moises Caicedo'
Jacque Talbot
- Updated: 31 Oct 2023 10:27 GMT
- 6 min read
Carlos Baleba was brought by Brighton over the summer window to replace Moises Caicedo - but will the teenager good enough to secure a record move away?
Well, the evidence so far certainly suggests he might be. Bought from Lille ahead of the 2023/24 season, the Cameroon 19-year-old has featured in just one full match for the Seagulls so far - their 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
It was a game in which Baleba shone, playing in a double pivot with Pascal Gross. Against the Reds, Baleba completed six recoveries, three interceptions, and won seven duels that he faced.
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It appears that the youngster is just getting started where his Premier League career is concerned.
So what do we know about Baleba?
Baleba started his playing career at Futur Soccer FC in Douala. He then joined Ecole de Football des Brasseries du Cameroun academy centre at the age of 13, before earning a move to Lille in 2022. He didn’t break into the first team until last campaign, where he played in 21 games in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit.
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It was just a single campaign but it was enough to convince the Brighton recruitment team to bring him in. They clinched the signing of Baleba for €27 million.
What club does Belaba play for?
Baleba plays for Brighton, having signed a contract in the summer of 2023 that will last until 2028, with an option of an extra year.
What position does Baleba play in?
Baleba plays as a No.6 for Brighton, playing either as part of a holding pair or centrally when Roberto De Zerbi puts out a four-man midfield.
How good is Baleba?
Baleba’s career is just starting to take off, but he is hitting all the right notes so far. He is capable of turning over possession and comfortable at carrying the ball forward into the final third. He has been pinpointed as one of Brighton’s star performers so far this season. At Lille last season, his game-time was modest, with most of his minutes coming when he was brought on from the bench.
The Seagulls assessed the numbers and deemed the midfielder to be a replacement for Caicedo, who moved to Chelsea in a £115 m deal. So far he is showing all the right qualities to fill the void where the Ecuadorian left off.
What is so frightening about Baleba is his technical ability mixed with his high intelligence. He is able to penetrate the line with his dribbling, causing the opposition all sorts of problems.
Baleba is still very raw and has a lot to learn - especially where his discipline in games are concerned. He is very much one to keep an eye on for 2024, though it’s not clear that Brighton would be willing to let him leave so soon.
What clubs are interested in Baleba?
Lots of clubs were linked to Baleba before he moved to Brighton, but given his switch to the South Coast was only in the last window, it’s improbable that they will make another attempt.
Manchester United, Newcastle, and West Ham were all keen on him before he joined Brighton.
How old is Baleba?
Baleba is 19 years old at the time of writing. His birthday is January 3, 2004.
When does Baleba’s contract expire?
Baleba’s contract runs until June 30, 2028. He also has the option of another year.
What is Baleba’s Instagram?
Baleba’s Instagram account is under the name @carlos_baleba. He has 32k followers as of October 2023.
