Chelsea are not messing around and have not hesitated to break the bank for the Premier League’s top prospect Moises Caicedo. The 21-year-old Brighton midfielder joins Pochettino’s side until June 2031 with an option until 2032 after he turned down Liverpool at the last minute.
Chelsea have their star signing. The Blues agreed a British record transfer fee with Brighton for Moises Caicedo and have finally announced the midfielder through their official channels, who will be committed to the Blues until June 2031w with an option until 2032.
Chelsea have tried to sign the Ecuadorian midfielder from the start of the summer transfer window, but were met with a refusal from the Seagulls, who were demanding more than £100m for their rising star. The Blues eventually offered £100m for the 21-year-old but the Reds overcame them in the race for his services by offering a British record fee of £110m, which was immediately accepted by Brighton.
However, after Jurgen Klopp claimed there was an agreement between the club and the player, there was a dramatic U-turn. The player told the Anfield club at the last minute of negotiations that he only wanted to join Chelsea as he had agreed personal terms with them since the end of May.
In this way, Moises Caicedo joins the Blues’ new project. The Stamford Bridge outfit have abandoned the policy they pursued in recent transfer windows of spending big on numerous players and this summer there have been far more departures than arrivals at the club. Aubameyang, Azpilicueta and Kante left as free agents, while Pulisic, Havertz, Edouard Mendy, Koulibaly, Kovacic, Mount, Loftus-Cheek and Ampadu have all moved on to other clubs.
In terms of new faces at Chelsea, only five new players have arrived, including Robert Sanchez, Axel Disasi, Nicolas Jackson, Ugochukwu and Nkunku, with the latter out with a knee injury for the next few months.
It’s only ever been Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/LCYf6A2BQr
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 14, 2023
Premier League’s top prospect
Many are wondering why Chelsea have made such an investment in a 21-year-old talent. Moises Caicedo was undoubtedly the cornerstone of a Brighton side that was last season’s Premier League surprise package alongside Newcastle.
The Seagulls clinched a sixth place in the domestic championship last season and will play in this year’s Europa League, partly thanks to the incredible style of play that De Zerbi has implemented at the club.
Indeed, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised De Zerbi’s team last season: “There is no team playing the way they play. It’s unique. I had the feeling when he (De Zerbi) arrived the impact he would have in the Premier League would be great. They create 20 or 25 chances per game, better by far than most opponents. They monopolise the ball in a way it hasn’t been for a long time. They deserve completely the success they have.
Good luck to Moises Caicedo, who has completed a permanent move to Chelsea. 🤝
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) August 14, 2023