The noise surrounding a possible move to Chelsea for Moises Caicedo continues, but Brighton and Hove Albion manager, Roberto De Zerbi, is attempting to distance himself from the incessant chatter.
It’s clear that the Blues aren’t giving up just yet, though the Seagulls, to their credit, are holding firm in terms of the price that they want to get for their man.
Not selling him to the west Londoners is still an option that’s open to them too, and that option would surely be preferred by Brighton’s inventive and attack-minded manager.
Chelsea have not left the negotiations for Moisés Caicedo, despite reports on Thursday. Deal on, as of today. ?? #CFC
Brighton remain on their stance after £80m bid revealed and turned down yesterday. But it didn’t change Chelsea plans.
Chelsea keep contacts/talks alive. pic.twitter.com/blSitDz5xr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2023
Having turned down an £80m bid for their player already, Brighton are clearly in the box seat in the Caicedo negotiations at this stage.
However, De Zerbi, whilst not involving himself in those negotiations, knows that there’s a chance his player will still get his move to Stamford Bridge.
“If Caicedo leaves, we will bring another big player. If Caicedo stays with us, I will be very happy,” he said in a recent press conference, detailed by the Daily Mail.
“But it’s not my job to decide who leaves and who comes [to the club]. It’s not my problem, the transfer market.”
With two weeks left until the start of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, it would clearly be best for all concerned if a definitive decision is made.
Brighton appear not to want to let Caicedo go on the cheap and Chelsea appear unwilling to pay too much.
That in itself may set the alarm bells ringing from the player’s point of view, given that if the west Londoners were so set on bringing Caicedo in, surely they would accede to Brighton’s wishes in terms of a fee.
There is no doubt Brighton promised Caicedo a move in the summer if he signed another contract till 2027. Thus Tony Bloom telling the player that he would get a higher transfer fee however advising the player he would be able to leave in the summer. Blackmail situation and now Tony Bloom is reneging on the situation.
Even Caicedo and his representatives are telling Tony Bloom to reduce his demands. Tony Bloom is doing a grand job of making Caicedo a very disgruntled player !!
He can leave brighton if they get what they want, £100 million if chelsea can’t afford that price it’s nothing to do with Tony Bloom it’s Chelsea’s problem. No club or player should hold another to ransom, don’t forget he wanted to go to Arsenal in the January transfer window, I expect him to go United next season.
No doubt at all that the club said he could sit on his existing contract with 4 years remaining and could leave when an acceptable bid came in.
No doubt at all that the club said he could alternatively sign a new contact for 5 more years with the same arrangement.
Unsurprisingly the player signed, what muppet wouldn’t?!
Albion are in the driving seat, Chelsea are chaotic, driven by egos trying to justify their position (yes, you Winstanley) and are putting themselves in a ridiculously vulnerable position. What club with a plan would sell a whole load of midfielders and then spend weeks chatting about a transfer to find out the value of their first choice replacement then expect the selling club with all the power to accepted £30m or so less?
Caceido is a fantastic footballer with an exceptionally high ceiling. Far better than Rice and that Enzo character, both having been sold for more than £100m. Time to sh*t or get of the pot.
There was a great article in the Athletic talking about transfer leaks, rarely comes from the selling club unless they are insecure and without a plan. May I introduce you all to Chelsea!
Well done Tony bloom and Brighton telling one of their star players that he is of priceless importance to the team and worth every penny of their £120 million valuation