Newcastle United are exploring the possibility of a move for Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba from Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The Magpies are in need of major reinforcements in their squad following several high profile departures this summer, including head coach Eddie Howe.
Newcastle are also keen on replacing Sandro Tonali, who joined Tottenham Hotspur, and former captain Bruno Guimaraes, who completed a move to Arsenal.
Profile
Baleba began his career at Lille, where he rose to prominence before joining Brighton in 2023.
Since moving to the Seagulls, he has developed into one of the club’s main players, featuring in over 100 matches across all competitions.
His versatility is another key aspect of his game that has seen him excel, as he can feature in both defensive midfield and in a more central position, while he has also played as a centre back on several occasions for the Seagulls.
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Potential transfer breakdown
According to Transfermarkt, Baleba has a market value of around €55 million and is ranked as the second most valuable Cameroonian footballer in the world, behind Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo.
However, Brighton are set to request a fee in the region of €80 million before they can sanction a sale this summer.
Newcastle are not the only interested club in the 22-year-old, with Manchester United also long-term admirers and they remain firmly in the pursuit this summer.
Including his earnings, Newcastle United’s total expenditure could exceed €85 million if they pursue a transfer this summer, potentially making Baleba their most expensive signing in history.
