After witnessing one of the most enthralling transfer sagas in Premier League history, Chelsea have finally landed their man Moises Caicedo, fighting off stiff competition from Liverpool.
The 21-year-old midfielder has agreed an eight-year contract with Chelsea, with a club option of a further year. Of course, he joins from another Premier League outfit Brighton and Hove Albion.
Brighton had earlier rejected an £80m bid from Chelsea. The Seagulls, after a long-drawn battle for the right price for Caicedo, put it out last Thursday that the highest bidder’s offer would be accepted.
ALSO READ: “I have already forgotten Moises” – De Zerbi
According to multiple reports, Chelsea had four previous bids rejected.
Earlier, Liverpool showed interest but had an eye on Southampton player Romeo Lavia, whom Chelsea also monitored.
In an eight-second video posted on Chelsea’s Twitter (X) account, Caicedo said, “It was never in doubt. I was always a Blue.”
Meanwhile, the Reds saw two different offers for the 19-year-old rejected by the Saints.
Brighton almost sealed deal with Liverpool but Caicedo rejects Reds
On a dramatic Thursday night/Friday morning, Liverpool tendered a whooping British record price worth £111m for Caicedo. Of course, according to reports, Brighton immediately accepted since that was the highest bid. It was also higher than their valuation of Caicedo.
Interestingly, Chelsea were said to have tabled £100m earlier that day for Caicedo. It now really looked like they were going to lose out on him.
However, Chelsea did not relent. The Blues continued to push to find a way to make a deal work.
In a twist of events, Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano later tweeted that the player turned down Liverpool. Caicedo stated he would like to join Chelsea as he had already agreed personal terms with the Blues weeks before.
Jubilation rocked the camp of Chelsea as their dream of landing their main defensive midfield target was almost abolished.
The former Independiente del Valle player had never hidden his desire to join the Stamford Bridge club. Recall that in January, the 21-year-old handed a transfer request to Brighton but later signed a new deal.
Chelsea now claim former Liverpool targets Caicedo & Lavia
As it stands, Chelsea are the winners here. They are now not only going to get Caicedo, but are also moving fast on landing Lavia. Reports also have it that Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise could be joining Chelsea as personal terms are already agreed.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will now be forced to explore other options to solve their defensive midfield issue.
Unfortunately, a major ‘victim’ in all of these is American player Tyler Adams. The 24-year-old Leeds United player had reportedly completed the first part of his medical with Chelsea and was set to sign a contract. However, Chelsea pulled out.
Although, Chelsea may not be straight about the real reason for the breakdown in the imminent deal, we have every right to believe it is not unconnected to, at that time, Caicedo’s imminent arrival.
Also, Chelsea were careful enough about the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. Following their groundbreaking spend of over £750m since the arrival of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital as owners in May 2022, there was also going to be concerns over the spending spree.
Since the reign of Boehly and Clearlake began, Chelsea have drastically transformed the transfer terrain. Chelsea had earlier signed Enzo Fernandez in January for a British transfer record £105m. With Caicedo’s capture, Chelsea have now smashed that record once again.
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