Liverpool, who had been working to acquire Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, suddenly changed targets just as the Premier League loomed, as the asking price and valuation did not match.
They hijacked the battle for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, who was believed to be headed to London.
Liverpool, who agreed to pay £110 million to Brighton, had been working behind the scenes to prepare the contract documents and book a medical for the transfer. However, a dark cloud is looming over the Ecuadorian midfielder’s arrival at Anfield.
According to Fabrizio Romano, an expert on the transfer market, the player has informed Liverpool that he only wants to play at Stamford Bridge in order to honor the contract he has already agreed with Chelsea.
“EXCLUSIVE: Moisés Caicedo has just informed Liverpool that he only wants to join Chelsea”
“Caicedo has decided to keep his word and only accept Chelsea as personal terms were agreed since end of May.”
“Chelsea, set to bid again in order to get deal done with Brighton.”
EXCLUSIVE: Moisés Caicedo has just informed Liverpool that he only wants to join Chelsea! 🚨🔵🇪🇨 #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 11, 2023
Caicedo has decided to keep his word and only accept Chelsea as personal terms were agreed since end of May.
Chelsea, set to bid again in order to get deal done with Brighton. pic.twitter.com/HI3geVVq9Z
Liverpool has reached an agreement between the clubs, but if they cannot convince the player’s side, the transfer will continue to flow. Chelsea is also preparing another offer, which means that the Ecuadorian midfielder’s sudden emergence at Anfield will disappear.
He would then have to go back to Southampton midfielder Romeo Rabia, but it is unclear whether he would want to play for a club that changed his mind at the last minute.
Will Liverpool get the defensive midfielder they have longed for…?