Moises Caicedo Makes Chelsea Break The Premier League Transfer Record: I Don't Think Twice
JAKARTA - Chelsea have broken the UK transfer record after completing the transfer of Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion for 115 million or equivalent to IDR 2.2 trillion.
This broke the record transfer that Chelsea previously made when signing Enzo Fernandez from Benfica last January. At that time, the Blues spent 107 million to get the Argentine player.
For Caicedo, Chelsea managed to beat their rival, Liverpool, who is also interested in the 21-year-old. The Reds had agreed to a price of 111 million to get the Brighton midfielder, but got a refusal from the player.
Chelsea tied Caicedo to a long contract, which is eight years with an option of an additional one year.
"I'm very happy to join Chelsea. I'm very happy to be here at this big club and I don't have to think twice when Chelsea calls me, I just know I want to join the club," Caicedo said as quoted by the club's official website quoted by The Sun.
"It's a dream come true to be here and I can't wait to get started with the team," continued the Ecuadorian player.
A video released by the club shows Caicedo has long been a fan of The Blues. You can see young Caicedo posing in an old Chelsea costume next to her mother while sitting in the trunk of their car.
It’s only ever been Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/LCYf6A2BQr
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 14, 2023
It's only ever been Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/LCYf6A2BQr
Directors of co-sportsmen Stewart and Paul Winstanley released a joint statement following the arrival of Caicedo.
"Moises has proven itself to be a standout player in European football over the past 18 months, and we are excited to add it to Mauricio Pochettino's squad," they said.
"Moises has a rare midfield expertise and is a player we have been targeting for some time. We believe he will have a significant influence at Stamford Bridge this season, and in the years to come," the second statement continued.
Brighton has clearly made an extraordinary profit from Caicedo after signing him for only 4.5 million from Ecuador's club, Independiente del Valle, in 2021.