Awarded the title of best player of the season in Brighton, Moisés Caicedo was one of the great architects of the Seagulls’ incredible 2022-2023 campaign. In the middle, the Ecuadorian ruled the Premier League, well accompanied by a Mac Allister who had become world champion in the meantime. Under the leadership of Roberto De Zerbi, who came to replace Graham Potter, left for Chelsea, the English club had the greatest season in its history in the league, or at least since the induction of the PL in 1992. On arrival, a 6th place synonymous with the Europa League, but also and above all a polished game that inspired a whole host of other teams.
Recruited in 2021 by Brighton for around € 6 million from Independiente del Valle, Ecuador, Moisés Caicedo quickly burst onto the screen. In reality, the latter will have played only 45 Premier League games (for 2 goals and 2 assists). Enough for the indefatigable midfielder to arouse the interest of Arsenal, last winter, but especially that of Chelsea and Liverpool. In recent days, the Reds have tried to thwart Caicedo’s move to the Blues, securing a deal with Brighton. A huge twist in the player’s file, which had been Todd Boehly’s priority for many months. An agreement with serious consequences for Londoners, who therefore had to outbid their offer. But the choice of the Ecuadorian also helped end the saga, as the 21-year-old had promised to join south-west London before Liverpool intervened. During this time, the price soared.
Premier League’s most expensive player
The showdown between Mauricio Pochettino’s team and Jürgen Klopp has left its mark, and additional tickets to the Seagulls. Indeed, Brighton obtained around €133m for their player, or €127m less than when he was recruited in 2021. An exceptional added value which rewards the scouting work put in place by Tony Bloom’s club. Few teams sell better than Roberto De Zerbi’s. Last year, Marc Cucurella was sold for 65 M€ to Chelsea, Yves Bissouma for around 30 M€, knowing that Leandro Trossard joined Arsenal this winter for 24 M€. In the summer of 2021, Ben White also left Brighton for North London and a transfer estimated at €58.5m. Finally, in addition to Moisés Caicedo (€133m), the Seagulls released Mac Allister to Liverpool for €42m. Monstrous cash inflows that allow the club to invest massively in young promises (€74.20 million invested this summer). It should also be noted that the Independiente will also bail out the coffers by recovering almost €30 million, thus winning the largest sum in history for a training club.
But then, what explains this price? First, the English market. The Premier League, due to its attractiveness, its football offered and above all its means incomparable to other championships, can afford to carry out transfers of this magnitude. The proof with West Ham which recovered not far from 120 M€ for Declan Rice, however free next summer. Money is not lacking for English clubs. Even less at Chelsea. If Roman Abramovich came, in the 2000s, to upset the market by investing massively, Todd Boehly has taken up the torch rather well since his arrival at the club in 2022. This winter, Enzo Fernandez became the most expensive player in the history of the Premier League by leaving Benfica to join the Blues. A transaction of 120 M€, which today is no longer really scrutinized as the Argentinian seems to have adapted to Chelsea. Especially if Moisés Caicedo steals first place from him with his €133m transfer. Nevertheless, the London management can boast of having the Ecuadorian and the world champion under contract until 2031, which partly explains the cost of their transfer, spread over several years to avoid Fair Play sanctions- finance (FPF). Todd Boehly has an idea.
A vital need in midfield
If Chelsea has spent heavily since the takeover by the American consortium BlueCo, especially last winter (more than €600 million in purchases), the English club sells better than anyone else in the Kingdom. This is demonstrated by the massive downsizing carried out this summer with many departures, especially in midfield: Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mason Mount, Kaï Havertz, N’Golo Kanté… Not to mention Jorginho, who left for Arsenal a few months ago. only. Chelsea is rebuilding and buying, largely thanks to its ability to sell. In total, this summer alone, the Blues let go 17 players, who brought in more than €250m. A substantial envelope, reinvested in particular in two talented midfielders: Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia. Because yes, if the Kanté – Jorginho – Kovacic trio allowed the club to win the Champions League in 2021, the latter especially showed huge shortcomings in the league. Blame it on injuries, but also on a lack of physical presence in front of the defense. Since the departure of Nemanja Matic in 2018, the Blues have shown major shortcomings in an essential game sector in England. But with these two new recruits soon at work, Enzo Fernandez can finally be freed from certain missions, which often restrained him during the second part of last season.
The Argentinian, fabulous ease against Liverpool on the first day of the Premier League, is rewarded with his beautiful copies with the addition of a Moisés Caicedo to support him. The two seem to complement each other. Where Enzo stands out for his technicality and quality of passing, the Ecuadorian can boast of disgusting opposing offensives thanks to his impressive volume of play. The former Brighton is ultra complete. Able to rake, but also to bring out the ball when his team has possession, Moisés Caicedo was shaped by Roberto De Zerbi. Which should help in his ability to integrate under Mauricio Pochettino, in a championship he already knows. We can already imagine an enticing and 100% South American double pivot at Chelsea, or even a trio with Roméo Lavia who could also claim a starting place in a 4-3-3. Like N’Golo Kanté, recruited in 2016 after a nightmarish season which saw the Londoners finish 10th in PL, Caicedo arrives in a Chelsea under reconstruction, of which he could well be the image. The proof with his number 25 glued to the back, which has not been worn by a Blues player since the departure of Gianfranco Zola (311 games, 80 goals) in 2003. Let’s hope he knows a similar success, the supporters n expect no less.
