We’re just days away from the closure of the winter transfer window, and some major deals have already gone through.
The likes of Mykhaylo Mudryk, Joao Felix, Cody Gakpo and Leandro Trossard are just some of the big names that have transferred to other clubs, and the next major deal seems to be right around the corner.
As per numerous reports, the next big name in line for a move could likely be Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Discovered by Brighton’s exceptional scouting network, the Seagulls signed Ecuador International for an undisclosed fee from Independiente del Valle in 2021.
Following his move, Caicedo was sent out on loan to Belgian side Beerschot to further hone his skills, before being recalled by Brighton in January of last year.
The midfielder quickly became a starter under then-manager Graham Potter and saw his stocks rise dramatically.
Capable of playing in a midfield trio or pivot, Caicedo is a tireless worker with excellent defensive acumen,
The 21-year-old can be categorized as a box-to-box midfielder, cut from the same cloth as N’golo Kante, to cite an example.
Strong in tackles and quick to identify threats, Caicedo also has a solid attacking side to his game with incisive passing abilities over small and large distances.
All of these strengths make Caicedo an ideal midfield signing, something which rival clubs are well aware of.
Despite playing just 26 Premier League games, the midfielder has already managed to impress and stand out, and many top sides are already clamouring for his signature.
English Heavyweights such as Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are said to hold a keen interest in the midfielder, although Brighton are unwilling to sell.
The Seagulls have already shot down offers amounting to £55m and £60m from Chelsea and Arsenal respectively, they’ve also reportedly placed a price tag of £100m on the Ecuadorian.
EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal have submitted £60m bid to sign Moises Caicedo as new midfielder 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC
Chelsea had £55m verbal proposal rejected this January as Brighton hope to keep the player — but Arsenal are now pushing.
With Brighton refusing to budge, it may seem as if a transfer would be impossible, but it’s important to note that eventually, it all comes down to the player’s wish.
Moving to a bigger club is tempting for any footballer, let alone Caicedo, who has already affirmed his wish by posting a very public transfer request online.
The Ecuadorian took to Twitter to post a rather solemn statement citing his wish to move, and it really did come off as a genuine and earnest request.
Brighton tells Caicedo not to fall for the big club charm, because he can’t be loved more anywhere else, while paying the lad £3k per week and asking Chelsea £100m for him behind the scenes 💀
Caicedo reportedly earns just £15,000 per/week at Brighton, which amounts to around £780,000 annually.
Caicedo is on £15,000 per week at Brighton, even if it was me with such talent and demand I'd post a whole essay tagging the UN and NATO for human rights violation. pic.twitter.com/XHGWX3dxZj
In comparison, the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Boubakary Soumare and Billy Gilmour all earn more than the Ecuadorian.
The shockingly low wages are a result of the lack of recognition Caicedo had before his move to Brighton, and also his age (19) at the time.
It remains to be seen whether a transfer comes to fruition during this window, and if so, which club would be willing to match Brighton’s hefty valuation.
