Game-Changer: Moises Caicedo Joins Chelsea in Record-Breaking £115m Transfer Deal
Chelsea break British transfer record with £115m signing of Moises Caicedo from Brighton The highly sought-after midfielder snubbed Liverpool's £111m offer to join the Blues on an eight-year deal after completing a successful medical Stay updated on all summer transfer window news with Sky Sports
Chelsea have officially acquired Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo for a staggering £115m, setting a new British transfer record. The Ecuadorian sensation has committed to an extensive eight-year deal with the club. The deal comprises an upfront payment of £100m, along with an additional £15m contingent upon specific performance milestones.
Caicedo's contract includes an additional year, and Brighton will possess a sell-on clause regarded as a "significant" component of the agreement.
A portion of the add-ons is deemed "quite easily achievable," whereas the remaining half is seen as "much harder" to attain.
Liverpool agreed to sign Caicedo for £111m last week. However, the deal collapsed when the 21-year-old informed the club that he planned to join Chelsea instead. It was anticipated that Caicedo would undergo a medical in Liverpool on Friday, following the acceptance of Brighton's bid by Jurgen Klopp's team. The bid had been submitted before the midnight deadline on Thursday.
Datawrapper
Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this.
Open Privacy Options
However, the Ecuadorian international had a change of heart and informed Liverpool - who secured a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in their inaugural Premier League match this season on Sunday - that he was no longer interested in joining.
Caicedo underwent a medical examination at Chelsea's training ground on Monday.
Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, co-sporting directors, expressed, "Moises possesses an exceptional set of midfield skills, and he has been our target for a while. We firmly believe that he will have a substantial influence at Stamford Bridge this season and for the foreseeable future."
Is this why Caicedo rejected Liverpool for Chelsea?
Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this.
Open Privacy Options
Chelsea, who broke the British-record transfer fee with a payment of £106.8m for Enzo Fernandez in January, have now surpassed that figure by acquiring Caicedo for an astounding £115m. In their ongoing pursuit of improving their midfield, Chelsea is keen on securing the services of two midfielders this summer. Despite Liverpool reaching a £60m agreement for Belgian talent Romeo Lavia from Southampton, Chelsea remains determined to secure his signature.
How much have Chelsea spent?
Chelsea have now spent a league-leading £285.9m this summer on transfers, with Caicedo becoming the club's 10th signing of the window. Other notable signings include Christopher Nkunku (£52m), Axel Disasi (£38.8m), Nicolas Jackson (£32m), Robert Sanchez (£25m), Lesley Ugochukwu (£23.1m), Angelo Gabriel, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Diego Moreira, and Alex Matos (all undisclosed).Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this.
Open Privacy Options
Last season, the Blues spent an astonishing £601.7m on new signings throughout both transfer windows, setting a record. However, they only managed to recoup £61m from player sales. Nevertheless, this season the club has successfully managed to balance the books.
In this window, Mauricio Pochettino's team has generated a revenue of £232.3m by selling various players. Some notable sales include Kai Havertz for £65m, Mason Mount for £60m, Mateo Kovacic for £30m, Christian Pulisic for £18.8m, Ruben Loftus-Cheek for £18.5m, Kalidou Koulibaly for £17m, Edouard Mendy for £16m, and Ethan Ampadu for £7m.
Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this.
Open Privacy Options
As it stands, all those deals place Chelsea ninth in the table for net spend.
Datawrapper
Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this.
Open Privacy Options
Analysis: How Caicedo turned into £115m in-demand star
In the aftermath of his nation's disappointing World Cup exit last year, while his fellow teammates were indulging in luxurious vacations at upscale resorts, Caicedo dedicated himself to playing in a local tournament on the familiar, dusty pitch in Santo Domingo, Ecuador, where he honed his skills as a young boy.The country was captivated by the viral footage that emerged, featuring Caicedo, a promising talent in the Premier League, showcasing his abilities once again by scoring goals, this time while playing as a substitute for Caicedos FC—a team comprising of his extended family members.
The goal he scored at the near post in a dilapidated setting was instrumental in Caicedos FC's victory in the tournament. His achievement was commemorated with a leap, a pumped fist, and a gesture of acknowledgement towards the small crowd of spectators seated or leaning against fences surrounding the field.
"This is Moises," Miguel Angel Ramirez, Caicedo's former coach at his childhood club Independiente del Valle, says to us with a smile. "Returning to his village, reuniting with his family and friends, playing football, and supporting everyone there. He never forgets his roots..."
Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports
Which players will be changing clubs this summer as the transfer window commences on June 14 and concludes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?
Stay informed with the latest updates and speculations regarding transfers in our exclusive Transfer Centre blog on We' digital platforms. Additionally, you can gain insights into the comings, goings, and analysis on We News.
