If a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes is believed to be true, Real Madrid have joined the race for Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo. It’s a blow for Chelsea boss Graham Potter who is plotting a raid on his former club by scripting a reunion with the Ecuador international.
The 21-year-old midfield ace joined the Seagulls from his boyhood club Independiente del Valle. He cost them £4.5m back in February 2021, but his emergence in the centre of the pitch has now encouraged the Seagulls to demand a fee of around £68m for his services. Both Liverpool and Manchester United were keeping close eyes on the youngster during the summer window, however, a move failed to materialize due to Brighton’s strong stance in retaining their prized asset beyond the transfer deadline day.
Caicedo has been a revelation for the south coast side, particularly after Yves Bissouma’s exit. Potter deserves a lot of praise as he helped him settle in and justify his potential, and the player, too, would not mind if he once again features for his ex-boss.
Why Real Madrid Are Keen On Caicedo
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are slowly rebuilding their midfield by replacing ageing stars. Casemiro has left already for Man United, whereas the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are likely to part ways once their current deals expire by the closure of the current campaign. French duo Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga have been majestic in the middle of the park and the addition of Caicedo would potentially complete the transition for years to come.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has never hesitated to cash in on the right talent despite maintaining a wage structure and spending limit. He expects the Ecuadorian to fill in Modric’s shoes in the long run, and therefore, is keen on tying him down ahead of the fellow suitors.
Why Chelsea Have Identified Him As Their Transfer Target
Chelsea, too, require significant reinforcement in midfield. N’Golo Kante is struggling to recover from persistent injury problems and the future looks uncertain for Jorginho who is free to talk to other clubs from January onwards. In spite of finding the net on his debut in a dead rubber Champions League tie, Juventus loanee Denis Zakaria does not seem to be in Potter’s first-team plans.
Mateo Kovacic is irreplaceable in central midfield and the academy graduates Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher have also been promising. Nevertheless, the Blues need someone who would not only marshall the defence but also make down-the-middle runs, and it remains to be seen who wins this transfer battle between these two European hotshots.
