The Premier League gets underway this weekend, and all eyes are on the highly-anticipated match between Chelsea and Liverpool – but for a reason off the field. Transfer saga turmoil has been ensuing, as Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moisés Caicedo has become a sought-after would-be signing for both clubs.
Liverpool has put forth an £111 million ($141 million) bid for Caicedo, but which team the 21-year-old Ecuadorian international will sign with is still up in the air. As fans anticipate which Premier League team their star midfielder will join, the interesting transfer story continues to unfold.
Liverpool have reportedly agreed to break the British transfer record and sign Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion. The deal, said to be worth £141 million ($135 million), surpasses the amount that Chelsea paid Benfica for Argentine playmaker Enzo Fernandez earlier this year.
Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool head coach, confirmed the news at a press conference on Friday. When asked why Liverpool had opted to bring in such an expensive player, he stated: “I got told I can confirm a deal with Brighton is agreed.”
Despite Klopp’s announcement, it remains unclear whether Caicedo will be heading to Anfield or to Stamford Bridge. CNN contacted Chelsea for a response and also attempted to get a statement from the player’s agent, but to no avail.
It could be that the highly coveted young talent is set to make British football history by becoming the most expensive player in Premier League history. Watch this space.
Liverpool had been preparing to welcome Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo to the club as the latest addition to their squad. But the Reds’ transfer plans have been scuppered after the young star decided to join Chelsea instead of Anfield.
The U-21 international has earned his stripes at Brighton, proving his worth since making an £4.5 million ($5.7 million) switch from Independiente del Valle in the summer.
Despite this disappointment, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp isn’t concerned. He believes that the club’s signing of Diogo Jota from Wolverhampton Wanderers has compensated for any losses, including those of veteran midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
Klopp admitted that the departures were unexpected, but remains confident in the club’s ability to remain competitive with their limited budget.
He has good reason to be hopeful – since joining Liverpool, Jota has become an integral part of the team and a fan favorite with four goals and one assist from just seven appearances in all competitions.. With every match, he looks more and more like he belongs at Anfield.
Following an impressive season, Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo is the target of some of England’s top clubs. Arsenal reportedly launched a bid in the January transfer window, with Chelsea long being linked to the 21-year-old star as well. After taking to Instagram to plead for a transfer away from the south coast club, it seemed like his time at Southampton may be coming to an end; however, in March he went on to sign a long-term contract with the club.
Asked about Caicedo at a media conference on Friday, Brighton manager De Zerbi expressed his pride in the squad that they have assembled, asserting that “bigger clubs can buy our players but they can’t buy our soul or spirit.” He went on to boast about their success in reaching the same target as Liverpool and exceeding that of Chelsea, emphasizing his hope for players which feel proud to be part of this Brighton team.
The new Premier League season kicks off Friday with reigning champions Manchester City taking on newly-promoted Burnley – and all eyes will no doubt be on Moises Caicedo and the team behind him.