Moises Caicedo’s representatives have provided Liverpool assurances over a transfer, and that’s the reason why they have yet to withdraw from the race.
Melissa Reddy of Sky Sports and Football Transfers insist Liverpool are yet in the race for Moises Caicedo, having received assurances from the player’s representatives. The midfielder’s race took many exciting twists on Friday, despite the Reds reaching an agreement with Brighton.
Has there been a more complicated and gripping transfer saga in the Premier League than the Moises Caicedo one before? Not likely, as Friday provided wholesome entertainment for those watching from the sidelines as Chelsea and Liverpool entered a high-stakes poker battle for the Brighton midfielder.
As a background to this saga, Chelsea have been the front runners for the entire summer as no other club expressed an interest in signing Caicedo. The 21-year-old was keen on joining the Blues from Brighton, but the Seagulls had set a high price point for the Ecuadorian.
Chelsea had seen at least 3-4 bids rejected, with an £80 million offer as their last known proposal. That was far from Brighton’s £100 million-plus asking price, which slowed things down for the Blues. The Stamford Bridge outfit’s surprise £48 million bid for Romeo Lavia may have triggered a chain of events, with the Reds entering the race for Caicedo.
Strong suggestions Chelsea hoped Liverpool would withdraw their bid and walk away on Friday allowing them to negotiate a more favourable fee and structure with Brighton, which didn’t happen. Next developments very interesting in light of FFP/Premier League P&S rules
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) August 12, 2023
Various reports emerged that Liverpool had outbid Chelsea with a stellar offer. David Ornstein then confirmed the same stating that Brighton had accepted a £111 million offer from the Reds for the midfielder, and it did seem like Chelsea were truly beaten.
Liverpool are still in the front seat with that agreement, although Chelsea could still outbid them with an extravagant offer. Brighton are open to a new bid from the Blues for the midfielder.
Little did we know the Reds were not about to give up and may have raised their contract offer to Caicedo. Whatever happened in the background convinced the 21-year-old to stall a move to Liverpool, which led to speculation that the London side will now put in a new bid for the midfielder.
Melissa Reddy of Sky Sports has shed light on the entire story insisting Liverpool remain in the chase. The representatives of Caicedo have reportedly provided assurances to the Merseysiders regarding a move, but they might wait for Chelsea to make their new bid.
She explains that Chelsea had hoped for Liverpool to bow out of the race altogether, but the Reds haven’t done that yet. And given Chelsea might face problems making an offer similar to Liverpool’s structure to Brighton, the Reds still have chances in the midfielder’s race.
There are suggestions that FFP can play a big part in the whole saga and Liverpool’s terms are more favourable to Brighton. Hence, they stand a huge chance to make this transfer happen despite the setback on Friday.
It’s a tight race for Liverpool, who may have to make a swift decision. They might not have to raise the bid again, considering an agreement in place with Brighton, but will have to hope Chelsea do not get a bid opver the line and find an agreement.
