Moises Caicedo has been the centre of the longest-running transfer saga of the summer, but the midfielder will soon be granted his wish of a move to Chelsea. The Ecuadorian made his feelings perfectly known this week but insisting Chelsea is where he wants to be, and not Liverpool. It is only a matter of time being this surely becomes official.
Caicedo had limited minutes during Brighton's pre-season campaign whilst he tried to force through a move, whilst he was not involved at all as the Seagulls began their Premier League campaign with an emphatic 4-1 victory over newly-promoted Luton Town on Saturday.
The 21-year-old undoubtedly was a keen observer of yesterday's clash between Chelsea and Liverpool; the two clubs battling for his signature. An entertaining contest at Stamford Bridge ended 1-1, and Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has already identified a slot in his midfielder for him to occupy on his arrival.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that an agreement has been reached between Brighton and Chelsea to finally bring a resolution to this deal. £115million is the end price, which will make Caicedo the most expensive transfer in British football history. The next question is exactly what are the in's and out's regards to Caicedo's salary with the Blues.
A few days ago, Romano made it public knowledge that Caicedo will pen a contract with Pochettino's side until 2031, making him the latest eight-year contract offered to a Chelsea new signing. It was only as recently as March that Caicedo penned an extension to his Brighton deal, which was supposedly to run until the end of 2027; four years away. There is also the option of a further year attached to the eight-years Caicedo will initially sign up for at Chelsea.
In addition to signing an eight-year deal, Caicedo will be handsomely paid by his soon to be new employers. It is not known exactly how much he will get paid, but it is fair to say it will be an upgrade on what he was receiving at Brighton. The Guardian recently reported how Chelsea offered more wages than Liverpool in their quest to sign the player, coming after Liverpool had agreed a fee with Brighton.
Sky Sports understands that Caicedo will have his Chelsea medical today, coming only hours after the two clubs agreed the hefty price. It is understood to be £100million up front and also £15million in add-ons. A sell-on clause will also form part of the deal, which is believed to be the key element Brighton wanted before agreeing to let him speak to Chelsea.
Pochettino fielded three central midfield players in Sunday's home draw with Liverpool. Enzo Fernandez, who remains the British record transfer holder until the Caicedo deal is finalised, played alongside Conor Gallagher and youngster Carney Chukwuemeka. One would suspect Caicedo will partner Fernandez and Gallagher moving forward, unless a new tactical approach will be utilised.
