The Premier League is amazed at their new transfer record – but it’s actually not one at all: Chelsea have committed Moises Caicedo in a 133 million euro deal, but according to reports “only” 116 million euros belong to the base fee. This would make the 21-year-old defensive midfielder the second most expensive new signing in history, both in the Premier League and at Chelsea – after world champion Enzo Fernandez, who cost around 121 million euros in winter.
After long, tough negotiations, Caicedo has now signed with the Blues until 2031, which also outperformed Liverpool FC. The Reds had reportedly already agreed a transfer fee with Brighton, but not with Caicedo himself. Last winter Arsenal FC had already lost their teeth over a signing of the Ecuadorian.
“I didn’t have to think twice when Chelsea called me,” Caicedo said after signing. “It’s a dream come true and I can’t wait to get started with the team.”
What makes Caicedo valuable
In the Blues, Caicedo (45 Premier League games, two goals) is now largely closing the gap in midfield left by the departures of N’golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad), Mateo Kovacic (Man City) and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (AC Milan) came into being. Meanwhile, Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino can look forward to a player in Caicedo who has his qualities both in deep play and in aggressive play against the ball. In addition, Caicedo could also be used on the right defensive side.
In addition to Chelsea, Brighton is also a big winner of the transfer. The Seagulls, who signed Caicedo from Independiente del Valle for just five million euros at the beginning of 2021, are once again making a big plus thanks to their remarkable training and iron negotiating tactics, even if they have to cede part of the fee to Independiente. Now they are said to have secured a resale participation for their part. Brighton had already generated over 130 million euros from transfers last season and still ended up in a European cup for the first time.
