Brighton now set to beat Newcastle for ‘powerful’ teenager signing
Recruitment plays a huge part in the success of a football club.
While Newcastle United have spent big money since the takeover in October 2021, that alone does not guarantee anything.
Indeed, it is the manner in which the club have used those funds all while dealing with FFP constraints that has been so impressive.
Rarely has a transfer gone wrong since the takeover and the success of that recruitment has driven Eddie Howe’s side up into the Champions League.
Still, Newcastle aren’t alone in getting their signings right. Brighton are another club frequently praised for their work in the transfer market and it appears they are set to land a Toon target.
Brighton now closing in on deal to sign Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba
Having sold Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for a British record sum, the Seagulls are ready to swoop.
According to talkSPORT, they are closing in on a move for Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba, a player Newcastle have reportedly tracked.
Back in March, it was claimed by 90 Min that the Magpies were among a host of top clubs eyeing the 19-year-old but it appears Brighton have won out.
More recently, TEAMtalk suggested in June that Newcastle remained keen.
Who is Carlos Baleba?
Described as “powerful and strong” as well as the “future” of Lille by former Newcastle managerial target Paulo Fonseca, Baleba was also hailed as “one of the best African players of his generation” during a profile piece by Sport News Africa earlier this year.
Statistical outlet WhoScored praised his passing ability, as well as hailing his defensive output. That paints a picture of a box-to-box midfielder who, at just 19, certainly has plenty of room to grow.
Though nothing is guaranteed in football, the success of Brighton’s recruitment would suggest they’re on to something for just a fraction of the price they sold Caicedo for.
Newcastle have moved to a model of signing younger players since Dan Ashworth’s arrival but it seems they will be missing out here.