Chelsea can help Brighton talent Moises Caicedo realise his 'dream' of succeeding in Europe if they complete a £45million transfer for the 20-year-old.
Caicedo joined the Seagulls from Independiente in a deal worth £4.5million back in 2021, despite interest from Manchester United. The Ecuador international has previously admitted that his favourite club is United and that he would jump at a move to Old Trafford if Erik ten Hag's side were to make a formal bid for his services.
The Blues' new manager Graham Potter commented on speculation that Liverpool were set to make a £42million move for Caicedo in the past, responding that it would just about afford his boots. Potter may regret these comments now he is at Stamford Bridge and said to be keen on reuniting with the 20-year-old at Chelsea.
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The Blues' midfield has been an area of concern so far this season with injuries coming to N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic. The former has just eight months left on his current deal with the west London outfit, a similar situation to Jorginho, with both players set to leave on a free transfer next summer unless contract renewals are agreed.
Chelsea's ageing midfield is set to be addressed next summer with Todd Boehly keen to add more exciting young talents to that area of Potter's squad. Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Frenkie de Jong have all been heavily linked with moves to Stamford Bridge but a move for Caicedo could represent a smart piece of business by the Blues.
Potter has played a major role in developing the 20-year-old into a talented midfielder and a reunion at Chelsea could be perfect for both parties. In a recent interview, Caicedo spoke on his determination to succeed in Europe and understands what he must do to secure a move to a top club.
Speaking to Argentine newspaper Olé, the Ecuador international said: “They [Independiente] were the ones who helped me take the next step, which was England. If I hadn’t come to a club like that, I wouldn’t be here [at Brighton]. To reach big teams you need more than all discipline and hard work in every training session. They helped me, since I arrived, to make an effort and give my 200 percent.
“Sometimes I had things as a child, like not wanting to train, but they helped me get rid of those bad habits and I was able to make my way through the Primera de Independiente, thanks to my dedication and effort. Thanks to the fact that they were behind me supporting me and removing my bad habits, making me strive daily and not lose, mainly, my humility."
A move to Stamford Bridge may be the next step in Caicedo's developing career as he continues to stay focused on achieving success in Europe. What success is to the 20-year-old is unclear; is it silverware or is it wealth?
No matter what it is, a transfer to the Blues would help him achieve both with Chelsea challenging at the top of the Premier League and in the Champions League on a consistent basis whilst also being able to offer Caicedo an enticing wage package. The Brighton midfielder added: “In the future, when I succeed in Europe, I would love to go back there [Independiente] and help many kids so that they have a different mentality and can do things well here in Europe. Sometimes I am training at Brighton and I think I am there [at Independiente], because the training is very similar: intense, short game and others. Every time I train here, it reminds me of Independiente."
Caicedo would experience the same intensity in training that he is used to if he was to join Potter at Chelsea, and the relationship with the new Blues boss will surely give them the edge in any potential bidding war against Liverpool and United.
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