Moises Caicedo: Chelsea contract details finalised and medical completed as Liverpool fear second transfer blow

Moises Caicedo has reportedly completed his medical ahead of a record-breaking £115m move from Brighton and Hove Albion to Chelsea.

Mauricio Pochettino made the Ecuador international his top target in a bid to improve his midfield options and he has finally got his man.

This is despite Liverpool agreeing a £110m deal with Brighton. Caicedo, however, rejected Liverpool as he wanted to ‘keep his word’ and join Chelsea, after agreeing on personal terms with them weeks earlier.

Caicedo is now set to play a key role with Chelsea for many years to come. He will most likely become an instant starter at Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher being Pochettino’s other midfield options.

He is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. Pochettino will hope that he can help Chelsea improve on a dismal 2022/23 season, when they finished in 12th place in the table.

Caicedo was a key player as Brighton finished sixth last term – the highest finish in the Seagull’s history – so Blues fans will be hoping for a similar impact from him this season.

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Caicedo ‘completes’ Chelsea medical; Lavia race still on

According to reputed transfer journalist David Ornstein, Caicedo has now completed his Chelsea medical.

On Twitter, Ornstein wrote: “Moises Caicedo has completed his medical ahead of proposed transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion to Chelsea.

“The 21-year-old Ecuador midfielder will today sign an eight-year contract with the option for a ninth.

“The fee is £115m including £15m achievable add-ons, as well as a sell-on clause to Brighton.”

With Caicedo’s switch to Chelsea all-but completed, the Blues are set to break the British transfer record. This was set by Chelsea in January, when they paid £107m for Fernandez.

Now, Pochettino’s focus switches to alternative targets. It’s no secret that the manager is looking to bring in more than one midfielder and the Blues are still working hard on a deal for Southampton star Romeo Lavia.

Liverpool have had a £60m bid accepted for the Belgian. However, recent reports suggest Chelsea remain in the race for Lavia and could match or improve on Liverpool’s bid.

It’s going to be a very busy few weeks for Chelsea as they look to get deals done, and Pochettino will be hoping to see the expensive signings translate into more positive results on the pitch moving forward.

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