Updated 12 Aug 2023 11:30 am:
Moises Caicedo – The Final Day?
Liverpool has suffered a somewhat slow Summer Window, or certainly felt to be so following the departures of both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
Liverpool had started the window superbly well, capturing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and then later, Dominik Soboszlai from Red Bull Leipzig. However, the unplanned exits of Both the club captain and their Brazilian defensive midfielder, Liverpool were dragged into drawing up a reactive plan.
Weeks followed, and tentative links were made with numerous players, however, it started to emerge that Southampton midfielder, Romeo Lavia, was the club’s preferred target. A player that was already being monitored as the potential heir to Fabinho, the Brazil star’s departure hastened this plan. Liverpool made their intentions very much known, to both Southampton and the player’s representatives, this ultimately culminating in a succession of failed bids. Southampton were firm in their stance, it’s £ 50 million or no deal. Liverpool were reluctant to match it, seeing the club consider other options.
The Premier League commences on Sunday for Liverpool, supporters growing increasingly concerned at the lack of a recognised defensive midfielder, or even efforts to bring one in. This all changed on Thursday evening, when multiple journalists confirmed that, following Brighton’s deadline and conditions being set, Liverpool had agreed on a deal with Brighton for a fee, believed to be £111 with a very generous sell-on clause. This set the way for Moises Caicedo to travel to Merseyside on Friday morning to undergo the formalities of discussing personal terms and completing his medical. Signed, Sealed and delivered….. or so you would have thought.
Speaking at his 10 am Press conference on Friday, Klopp surprisingly confirmed that Liverpool had agreed a deal for the Ecuadorian, however, reiterated that the club are to agree personal terms and that the club do not have “Unlimited resources”. Very little was made of this comment, however, this could have suggested Liverpool were aware that Chelsea had further spoken to Caicedo’s team regarding financial packages and trying to open a new channel to get back to the table with Brighton.
A twist was certainly starting to appear in the prospective deal, exacerbated when Sky Sports News Correspondent, Dharmesh Sheth tweeted “Told Moises Caicedo having second thoughts about Liverpool move. The player & representatives are still in London. No official word Chelsea has returned. #LFC #CFC #BHAFC”
Not what Liverpool supporters wanted to hear, although believed that Brighton had already completed their process, so a deal was considered done with Liverpool.
Eventful to say the least, but the twists and turns just kept coming, Again Dharmesh Sheth followed on with “One source claims Moises Caicedo has now rejected the chance to join Liverpool. Awaiting confirmation from both clubs. The player’s preference is Chelsea. Chelsea is yet to officially big back in. #CFC #LFC #BHAFC”
The mystery was certainly in full flow, with varying and contradictory reports coming from every avenue. It is our understanding that Brighton had, following Caicedo’s representative’s requests, opened a further window for Chelsea to come in with a bid, much against their preference, however, they are happy to see what could well be offered.
Chelsea have remained locked in talks, the Independent’s Miguel Delaney, suggesting Chelsea even offered players on top of a financial package to sign the much-coveted midfielder. It is widely understood that Chelsea has continued talks with Brighton into the early hours of Saturday morning, in the hope of finding a financial package that works for both sides, with Chelsea hoping to formalize an offer later in the day. Brighton wants any deal done before the commencement of the season.
So, Liverpool have seemingly walked away, you would be forgiven for thinking. No, is the short answer. Liverpool’s bid remains firmly on the table with a belief within the club, that Chelsea are going to struggle to match their offer and remain financially compliant, no doubt further strengthened by Chelsea agreeing on a further deal, this time for Liverpool target, Romeo Lavia.
Liverpool has remained unmoved by Moises Caicedo’s advice that he prefers a switch to Stamford Bridge. Liverpool believes the player is still very much interested in a move to Anfield, and will refuse to be bullied into retracting their bid, thereby making negotiations far easier for their Premier League rivals.
Chelsea remains confident a deal can be done for Caicedo, whilst Liverpool are confident their bid will not be matched. Regardless, Brighton wants this deal done TODAY.
A very interesting day is instore
Jamie Brown
(JRB Scribbles)
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