Moises Caicedo transfer latest: Six things we know about the Chelsea target
After losing World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool, Brighton are set for another midfield departure with Moises Caicedo once again linked with a move away.
In January, there was a bizarre transfer saga that saw Moises Caicedo take to Instagram and almost confirm his departure from the club, with both Arsenal and Chelsea interested, saying:
“I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest and help the club continue to be successful. “The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand.”
However, Brighton were unwilling to sell the midfielder during the winter window and he remained at the club, helping them to qualify for European football for the first time in their history.
Fast forward six months and the Ecuadorian is once again on a host of big sides’ shopping list and it’s no surprise after some incredible performances in his first full season in English football.
So, what’s next for one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League?
Who is interested in Moises Caicedo?
The main teams linked with a move for Caicedo this summer have been Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, but the Blues seem to be the most likely destination.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Blues will now “attack the Moises Caicedo deal”, claiming that he has already said yes to a move to Stamford Bridge and personal terms not expected to be a problem.
With Mason Mount’s imminent departure and Mateo Kovacic’s recent move to champions Manchester City, Mauricio Pochettino sees the Ecuadorian as the perfect midfielder partner for January signing Enzo Fernandez and Chelsea are now expected to ramp up in their interest with Brighton.
Manchester United and Arsenal may still come back in with a late swoop for the midfielder, but with the imminent arrivals of Mason Mount and Declan Rice and the Gunners links to Romeo Lavia, the Blues should have a straight forward run at the 21-year-old.
| Moises Caicedo transfer specials: To sign for before 3rd September 2023 | Sky Bet | ||
| Chelsea | 1/6 | ||
| Man Utd | 7/1 | ||
| Arsenal | 12/1 | ||
| Man City | 33/1 | ||
You have to be 18+ to gamble. UK only. All odds within this article are accurate at the time of writing. Be Gamble Aware.
When does Caicedo’s contract run out?
Brighton tied Moises Caicedo to a long-term contract in March, with the Ecuadorian signing a new deal until 2027 with an option of another year. This was to protect their investment in the player, who wanted to leave in January, with his original deal with the club running out in 2025.
The Seagulls now have the upper hand in negotiations and can demand a much higher fee, taking the option of Caicedo running down his contract off the table.
How much could Caicedo cost?
As previously mentioned, Brighton have the upper hand in negotiations having renewed Caicedo’s contract until 2027.
It would take a huge fee for the Seagulls to let go of one of their best players and most sellable assets, with Brighton valuing the midfielder at £100m. However, Daily Telegraph reporter Matt Law claims that the Blues are confident of sealing a deal for the 21-year-old at £80m.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi all but confirmed the midfielders’ departure after Brighton’s final game of the season against Aston Villa, saying “I think that can be the last game of Alexis and Moises, I’m really sorry,” so there may be room for negotiation.
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What has Caicedo said?
In news that will be music to Chelsea fans ears, Moises Caicedo was full of praise for the Blues back in November, saying how it would be impossible to turn down a move to Stamford Bridge.
“I think they [Chelsea] are one of the best teams in the world and no one would turn down an offer from Chelsea or any other club like that. It is a dream to be in the best teams in the world and succeed there.”
What have Chelsea said?
New manager Mauricio Pochettino is said to be a huge fan of Moises Caicedo, with the Ecuadorian reportedly already saying yes to the former Tottenham manager. Before the season begins, the Argentinian has the huge task of deciding which players he wants to keep, which players he wants to leave and which players he wants to bring in to take Chelsea back up the table and the Brighton man seems to be one he is desperate to line-up alongside Enzo in August.
The Blues are confident of landing their man with no problems expected on the player’s side with Fabrizio Romano reporting that “Caicedo has already said yes — personal terms are not an issue. Up to the clubs.”
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How could Brighton replace Caicedo?
Not that Brighton need any advice when it comes to scouting, as they more than certainly already have the perfect Caicedo replacement lined up, but we’ve taken a deep dive into the data to see which names you could be seeing sooner rather than later being linked with a move.
There are several options that Brighton could look at if they were to delve into the transfer market, starting with Reims midfielder Dion Lopy.
The 21-year-old, who has earned two caps so far with Senegal marries ball winning with ball retention and ticks every box that the Seagulls are looking for. During the 2022/23 season, he won possession back 8.37 times per 90, whilst also winning 6.6 duels per 90 in Ligue 1 in his 16 appearances and would also fit the age profile at Brighton.
He has very similar defensive stats to Caicedo, but has more of an attacking edge, having more shots and attempting more take-ons.
Another player that would fit straight in, having already had a year in the Premier League is Tyler Adams, who would be available after Leeds’ relegation to the Championship.
The American impressed in the centre of the Whites midfield and was a huge miss after his injury. He made more tackles per 90 and won more duels per 90 than Caicedo last term and was a ball winning machine in the first part of the season. Only six midfielders (including Declan Rice, Casemiro and Rodri) won possession more times per 90 than Tyler Adams in the Premier League last season of all players to win possession 100+ times.
