In a dramatic turn of events, Liverpool have reportedly agreed a British-record £110 million deal for Brighton star, Moises Caicedo.
Liverpool’s need for a defensive midfielder increased when Jordan Henderson and Fabinho joined Saudi Pro-League clubs Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad respectively in the current transfer window.
As of Thursday morning, Caicedo was widely expected to join Chelsea unopposed, with those on Merseyside considering him unattainable.
Few hours later, the Reds gazumped Chelsea’s bid to take the 21-year-old Ecuadorian to Stamford Bridge. Things went from “haha vague transfer rumour to hang on…to wait, whaaaat, to oh my god, this is really happening in less than 24 hours.”
The Athletic’s David Ornstein was the first to confirm that Liverpool was the highest bidder for Moises Caicedo, and that all that remained was agreeing to personal terms and the medical.
The £110m bid from Liverpool is no joke and would break their £75m transfer record for Virgil van Dijk. Darwin Nunez‘s price could eventually rise to £85 million but he will not become the club record signing now should Caicedo’s deal complete.
The deal also breaks the £106.8 million record set when Chelsea signed Enzo Fernandez in February, with the Blues themselves offering £100 million for Caicedo.
With Caicedo now set to travel to Liverpool for a medical on Friday, August 11, with personal terms – though not yet agreed (described as a “formality”), it is speculated that he will form a partnership with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai.
The new deal represents another massive profit for Brighton, who signed Caicedo from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle for £4m in 2021.
Liverpool will take on Chelsea in their season opener in west London on Sunday, August 13, with their transfer battle fresh in the memory. Caicedo’s potential move may not be completed in time for him to feature as the Reds look to begin their campaign with a statement win.
