With less than two weeks remaining in this summer's transfer window, Liverpool supporters are eagerly waiting to see if Liverpool dip into the market for midfield reinforcements.
After signing Darwin Nunez, Fabio Carvalho and Calvin Ramsay, the Reds wrapped their incoming business up early and the stance ever since has remained the same - the midfield will be addressed in 2023. However, a string of injuries in that department has led to supporters hoping the timeline is brought forward a year and a new face arrives this summer, as opposed to next.
As a result, Liverpool have been linked with a long list of midfielders over the last few weeks - with Brighton's Moises Caicedo the latest to emerge as a rumoured target.
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The reports originated from his homeland, Ecuador, with StudioFutbol claiming the 20-year-old has an 'offer' from Manchester United, but that Jurgen Klopp's side are also preparing to make their move. The youngster has been heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford this summer, despite United reportedly turning down the opportunity to sign him prior to his transfer to Brighton a year-and-a-half ago.
Caicedo grew up in Santo Domingo, a city roughly 150km outside of Ecuador's capital city, Quito. He was picked up by Ecuadorian Serie A side Independiente del Valle aged just 13 and was promoted to their first team five years later in 2019.
He made his first-team debut in October 2019, when he played 14 minutes of a 1-0 defeat to LDU Quito. He went on to make 31 appearances for the club, scoring six goals and registering two assists.
Caicedo earned his first cap for Ecuador in October 2020, shortly before his 19th birthday. He's now racked up 23 appearances and scored twice in World Cup qualifying matches, against Uruguay and Chile, helping his country reach the 2022 tournament in Qatar later this year.
Before he completed the move to Brighton in February 2021, the midfielder was heavily linked with United and even went as far to say it was his 'dream' to play for the Manchester club. Miguel Angel Ramirez, his coach at Independiente del Valle at both youth and senior level, was responsible for handing him his senior debut and has previously spoken of the player's development.
"Moises understands the game, he has grown a lot in his interpretation since he came to the first team," he told MARCA in 2020. "He has good first contacts and good management, which helps him to give continuity to the game.
"Playing as a midfielder, he was somewhat more conservative. Acting inside has helped him to look for progressions. He has even developed last passes and has been encouraged to finish from mid-distance or step on the area to score a goal.
"I think playing positional football empowers him. With other models he may not develop his qualities as much. In this model, he interprets and executes almost always well. He knows what the game asks for at all times."
Caicedo himself named Chelsea's N'golo Kante and former United midfielder Paul Pogba as two players he tries to mirror his game off. He told Global Digital TV two years ago: “My challenge is one day to be in the elite of world football. I have proposed this to myself, my dream is to play in the big leagues.
“I really like the game of N'Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, I learn a lot from them every time I see them. I always try to do what they do, that’s why they are there.”
He didn't break into Brighton's starting line-up straight away, after completing his £4.5m transfer, with the likes of Yves Bissouma to compete with for places. Caicedo spent the first half of last season at Belgian side K. Beerschot V.A, who were relegated at the end of the campaign.
Following his return to Sussex, he made his Premier League debut in April this year in a 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates. The youngster made an immediate impact with an assist for Brighton's second goal of the game, setting up Enock Mwepu.
He then went on to start the Seagulls' remaining seven league fixtures last season, playing against the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. He also scored his first goal in their 4-0 win over United in May.
This season, following the departure of Bissouma to Spurs, his stature in Brighton's team has only increased and he impressed in their opening two games against United and Newcastle. However, his impressive form, despite only making 10 Premier League appearances so far, has caught the attention of the top-six clubs.
United are linked once again, while Liverpool and Arsenal are also rumoured to hold an interest. However, the Athletic has since reported that, while Caicedo may eventually become Brighton's next big sale, this summer will likely be too soon for the 20-year-old given they've already sold Bissouma and Marc Cucurella.
Manager Graham Potter has also addressed the transfer rumours and praised the player's attitude and application. The Brighton boss admitted talk in the media is inevitable, but Caicedo is 'enjoying' his football at the Amex as his incredible rise continues.
"He is a really humble person," Potter said earlier this week. "Loves playing football, is really low maintenance as a player, and just wants to join in football with his team-mates. He is really enjoying his football as you can imagine. He is only young but he has got such a high possibility. We love him here.
"In regards to speculation, it is what it is. When the transfer window is open you always get that stuff but he is really enjoying his football here and we are really enjoying having him."
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