Ecuadorian footballer Moises Caicedo is set to undergo a medical examination in London on August 14, paving the way for an exceptional transfer to Chelsea.
Numerous reports have surfaced, indicating that Chelsea is poised to break the British transfer record once again, with a staggering £115m payment to Brighton for Caicedo. The player is believed to have already agreed to personal terms on an extensive eight-year contract in West London, with an option for an additional 12 months, extending the deal until 2032.
Chelsea is prepared to pay £100m upfront, along with £15m in performance-related add-ons, following days of intense negotiations with Brighton.
Brighton reportedly included a sell-on clause in the deal, and they drove a hard bargain. Insisting that Caicedo would not be sold for less than £100m, they turned down several lower bids from Chelsea, who were competing with Liverpool for his signature.
Although Brighton accepted Liverpool's £110m offer, Caicedo rejected a move to Anfield, making it clear that his preference was a transfer to Stamford Bridge.
At the age of 21, Caicedo still had four years left on his Brighton contract. However, he expressed his desire to leave the club and specifically expressed his wish to join Chelsea rather than Liverpool.
Caicedo initially joined Brighton in February 2021 for a reported fee of £4.5 million ($5.71 million) and was subsequently loaned to Belgian club Beerschot in August of the same year. He was recalled by Brighton in January 2022 after making 14 appearances in Belgium. Under coach Roberto De Zerbi, Caicedo thrived in midfield during the last season.
Chelsea, who drew 1-1 with Liverpool recently, is planning to partner Caicedo in midfield alongside their £107m January acquisition, Enzo Fernandez. This would place the two most expensive players in British football history at the core of their lineup under Mauricio Pochettino's leadership.
The Blues are also close to finalizing personal terms with Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise, aiming for a deal valued around £45m for the 21-year-old.
Additionally, Chelsea has secured a £17m agreement with Santos for 18-year-old striker Deivid Washington, who will then go on loan to Todd Boehly’s new club, Strasbourg, in France.
Following the decision to loan Kepa Arrizabalaga to Real Madrid, Chelsea will initiate their search for a new goalkeeper.
