Liverpool is about to break the English transfer record
This deal will be completed if Caicedo agrees to go to Liverpool and complete personal agreements with the Anfield team.
Caicedo has been pursued by Chelsea since the beginning of the summer transfer window, but could not close a price with Brighton. Most recently, the Stamford Bridge home team offered 101 million but was refused. On August 10, Liverpool jumped into the race for the Ecuadorian and the record price they offered convinced Brighton.
Previously, Liverpool's main target was considered Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia. The Merseyside team made three offers for the Belgian player, most recently $ 58 million but was rejected. On August 9, The Athletic reported that Chelsea jumped in to win Lavia and offered $ 61 million with additional fees, close to what Southampton wanted - 63 million.
This may be one of the reasons why Liverpool turned to Caicedo and "broken" Chelsea in this deal. According to Sky Sports, Liverpool highly appreciate Caicedo, and think that the possibility of signing him is not very bright, but they still want to try even if it fails.
Caicedo has long expressed his desire to leave with Brighton. Five days ago, the 21-year-old midfielder emptied his locker at the Amex Stadium and did not return to Brighton headquarters. Brighton is said to have promised Caicedo a move to Chelsea, but wants at least $127 million.
Caicedo is said to be in London waiting for his transfer to Chelsea to be completed. However, the intervention of Liverpool could turn things around. The Anfield team only needs more approval from Caicedo to close this deal after being given the green light by Brighton.
If an individual agreement is reached, Caicedo will be Brighton's second central midfielder to join Liverpool in the summer of 2023. Previously, the Anfield team bought world champion Alexis Mac Allister for $ 46 million. This duo will replace Jordan Henderson - Fabinho - a pair of pillars who have just left Anfield to go to Saudi Arabia to play football.
Caicedo was the top defensive midfielder in the Premier League last season with the second most tackles and cuts in the league. Other parameters such as winning the ball in the middle of the field, his successful touch and pass are all in the top 10. Chelsea considers the Ecuador international as a worthy successor to the position left by N'Golo Kante. Liverpool are also looking for a replacement for Fabinho. Before that, they recruited Caicedo's teammate - Alexis Mac Allister - for $ 55 million.
