Moises Caicedo turns down Liverpool in favour of Chelsea move
Liverpool have been left ‘pretty embarrassed’ after Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo seemingly turned down a move to Anfield in favour of a switch to Chelsea, according to Alan Shearer.
The 21-year-old appeared to be heading to Merseyside after Liverpool agreed a British record £111m deal with Premier League rivals Brighton.
However, Caicedo made it clear to the Reds that he wanted to move to Stamford Bridge, having already agreed personal terms with Chelsea earlier in the summer.
Liverpool agree £111m deal with Brighton
Liverpool had agreed a £111m deal with Brighton for Caicedo, making him the most expensive signing in Premier League history.
The Reds had hoped to welcome the 21-year-old to Anfield, but it appears that the Ecuadorian has other plans.
Caicedo prefers Chelsea move
Caicedo has made it clear that he prefers a move to Chelsea, having agreed personal terms with the Blues earlier in the summer.
Chelsea had previously made three bids for the 21-year-old worth between £60-80m, and are expected to make an improved offer to secure another signing for new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Liverpool ‘pretty embarrassed’
Reacting to the transfer saga, England legend Shearer said on The Rest Is Football podcast: ‘It’s pretty embarrassing for Liverpool if that is the case.
‘They’ve agreed a deal for £111m and then all of a sudden the player has said, “no thanks, I don’t fancy coming to you, I’m going to London instead”.
‘That is not a good look for Liverpool. You have to do your homework and your due diligence and make sure players want to join before agreeing deals for them.’
Brighton boss confirms Caicedo departure
At his pre-match press conference on Friday, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi all but confirmed Caicedo would leave the south coast club.
‘I have already forgotten about Moises,’ he said. ‘I’m really proud of the players we have in the squad.
‘We want to keep improving. The credit goes to the club. Bigger clubs can buy our players but they can’t buy our soul or spirit.
‘We are Brighton, we achieved a big target last year – the same as Liverpool, better than Chelsea. I would like players who are proud to play in Brighton.’
Chelsea expected to make improved offer
If Chelsea strike a deal with Brighton, they will likely make Caicedo the most expensive signing in Premier League history, just six months after Enzo Fernandez received that accolade.
The Blues are expected to make an improved offer to secure another signing for new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Conclusion
Liverpool have been left ‘pretty embarrassed’ after Moises Caicedo seemingly turned down a move to Anfield in favour of a switch to Chelsea.
The Reds had agreed a £111m deal with Brighton for Caicedo, making him the most expensive signing in Premier League history.
However, Caicedo made it clear that he wanted to move to Stamford Bridge, having already agreed personal terms with Chelsea earlier in the summer.
If Chelsea strike a deal with Brighton, they will likely make Caicedo the most expensive signing in Premier League history.