Chelsea Set to Sign Moises Caicedo in £115m Deal with Brighton & Hove Albion
Chelsea Football Club has reached an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion to secure the signing of midfielder Moises Caicedo. The deal is reported to be worth a staggering £115million ($146m) and is expected to be completed on Monday.
Caicedo, who is just 21 years old, has a scheduled medical with Chelsea on Monday, after which he is set to sign an eight-year contract with the option of a further season. Brighton will also benefit from a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Although Chelsea had been considered the frontrunners to acquire Caicedo’s services for some time, Liverpool made a surprise late bid for the Ecuador international on Thursday. Brighton accepted Liverpool’s offer of £110million, but Chelsea quickly responded with an improved bid to secure the deal.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed on Friday that his side had reached an agreement with Brighton. However, Klopp remained tight-lipped about whether Caicedo would undergo a medical examination before finalizing the transfer.
In a twist of events, Chelsea’s pursuit of USMNT international Tyler Adams from Leeds United fell through on Friday. The clubs had been close to striking a deal, with Adams having a relegation release clause of approximately £20m.
Liverpool’s late involvement in negotiations, combined with the fact that Caicedo is currently based in London, led to growing acceptance at Anfield that Chelsea were the favorites to sign the talented midfielder, despite Liverpool having their initial bid accepted first.
The acquisition of Caicedo would address Chelsea’s midfield concerns, as the club has seen the departure of Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek over the summer. Chelsea had also expressed interest in Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, who is also being tracked by Liverpool. Both clubs have submitted bids for Lavia in recent weeks.
Brighton, who will be competing against Liverpool in the Europa League next season, have already sold Caicedo’s midfield partner Alexis Mac Allister to the Merseyside club.
Chelsea’s Premier League campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Liverpool earlier on Sunday. The team will look to bounce back when they face West Ham United next Sunday.
It seems like Chelsea’s pursuit of Caicedo is drawing to a close, providing an exciting addition to their midfield. The young Ecuadorian has attracted attention from top clubs, with many believing he is destined for success at the highest level.
(Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images for Premier League)