Moises Caicedo Is Chelsea’s Most Important Signing Of The Summer

Chelsea finally have their man. After eight months of chasing Moises Caicedo, the Stamford Bridge have concluded a deal to sign the Ecuadorian midfielder from Brighton for a Premier
PINC
League-record fee of £115m. This fee represents just how desperate the Blues were to land Caicedo.

Liverpool’s interest in Caicedo resulted in a bidding war between the Anfield club and Chelsea for the 21-year-old. By many metrics, Chelsea have overpaid to sign their number one target for the summer transfer window, particularly considering Brighton’s asking price stood at £15m less only a few weeks ago.

However, Caicedo will be an excellent fit for the team Mauricio Pochettino is building at Stamford Bridge. His signing could be the key to unlocking the full potential of teammates like Enzo Fernandez who is being utilised in a more advanced role under Pochettino this season – see his performance against Liverpool on Sunday.

Pochettino used Fernandez and Conor Gallagher as a double pivot in Chelsea’s opening Premier League fixture against Liverpool with the latter providing a platform for the former to have an influence in the attacking third of the pitch. This is a role Caicedo will perform once he is integrated at Stamford Bridge.

While Liverpool need a midfield anchor to provide defensive fibre in the centre of the pitch, Chelsea required a two-way operator to offer plenty on all sides of the game and this should suit his skill set well. Under Pochettino, Caicedo will be given an opportunity to develop in a number of different ways.

“Moises possesses a rare midfield skill set and is a player we’ve been targeting for some time,” said Chelsea co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley. “We believe he will make a significant impact at Stamford Bridge this season – and in the years ahead.”

Not content with just signing one number six in the form of Caicedo, Chelsea are believed to be close to concluding another deal to sign Romeo Lavia for Southampton. The 19-year-old is a rawer talent than Caicedo, but his potential is clear to anyone who has watched him over the last 12 months. Liverpool also wanted him.

Under Pochettino, Chelsea have been given a new identity and Caicedo will be a big part of the rebuild taking place at Stamford Bridge. The Ecuador international is ready to take the next step in his career and Chelsea could be the perfect place for him to become one of the best in his position in the world.