Moises Caicedo reject a move from Brighton to Liverpool in favour of Chelsea.

Midfielder Moises Caicedo is expected to reject a transfer to Liverpool, paving the way for him to join Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Moises Caicedo reject a move from Brighton to Liverpool in favour of Chelsea.

The Blues have been chasing the Ecuador international all summer but have been frustrated by Brighton’s refusal to lower their asking price for the 21-year-old.

However, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said during a press conference on Friday morning, ahead of Sunday’s Premier League opener against Chelsea, that the Reds have agreed to a deal with Brighton expected to be in the region of £110 million.

“I can confirm the deal with [Brighton] is agreed,” Klopp stated. “Whatever that means because we want the player and not any kind of agreement, we will see.”

Caicedo, on the other hand, is generally said to have turned down Liverpool’s advances, stating that he only wants to move to Stamford Bridge, leaving it up to Chelsea to strike a deal with Brighton.

Caicedo’s departure from the Amex Stadium was revealed earlier in the day by Seagulls coach Roberto De Zerbi.

“I’d like to respond only once [on Caicedo],” the Italian stated. “I already forgot about Moises.” Moises is going and is no longer relevant to me.”

Brighton are set to make an enormous profit on the Ecuadorian midfielder who joined them for just £4 million from Independiente del Valle in 2021. The reported asking price would top the previous British record of £107 million that Chelsea paid for Enzo Fernandez in January.

Meanwhile, Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino refused to discuss Caicedo explicitly, but stated that improving in midfield was a priority.

“Many midfielders have left the squad and we have different options,” Pochettino remarked when asked what he still needs in his squad. We are working extremely hard while remaining respectful of the names, clubs, and players present.”

Chelsea will host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday without Christopher Nkunku, who required surgery to repair a knee injury sustained in the club’s last preseason encounter in Chicago on a sloppy pitch.

Pochettino also revealed that the club is seeking for a replacement for RB Leipzig’s £52 million summer signing, who is set to be out for four months.

“We are very sorry about him,” he stated. He was doing well, and he was vital to us. I believe the quality is there, since he is one of the best offensive players who can play multiple positions, which has always been a problem for us.

“Now it’s about not dwelling on the injuries and focusing on when he can return to us and recover as quickly as possible in a good way.”

“We are working in the market also, we are going to miss one player like this. The club is working, trying to find a solution, maybe short term, medium and long term to add the right profile for the team to perform for now.”