Sources report that Chelsea and Brighton have agreed to a British transfer record fee of £115 million ($146 million) for midfielder Moisés Caicedo.
The 21-year-old is expected to undergo a medical examination on Monday and sign an eight-year contract, surpassing the previous transfer record of £105.8 million paid by Chelsea to Benfica for Enzo Fernández in January.
On Friday, Chelsea accepted a slightly lower offer from Liverpool, worth approximately £111 million, but sources confirmed to ESPN that the midfielder wished to move to Stamford Bridge. According to sources, Chelsea will pay an initial £100 million in guaranteed payments and an additional £15 million in add-ons. About half of the add-ons are described as being readily attainable, while the other half are significantly more difficult to trigger.
Sources confirmed that the 21-year-old made it clear he wanted to move to Stamford Bridge even after Liverpool agreed terms with Brighton, and after a 1-1 Premier League draw with Jurgen Klopp’s side, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino vowed more signings would be on the way.
“We will undoubtedly strengthen the team. Pochettino stated on Sunday that finding the appropriate profile and player to create a potentially more solid combination is essential.
Chelsea withdrew its offer to sign United States international Tyler Adams from Leeds due to a dispute over the payment structure surrounding his £20 million release clause. Instead, the club decided to use the funds to pursue other options.
Caicedo was Pochettino’s top summer transfer target, and he told ESPN in an exclusive interview last month that Chelsea needed midfield reinforcements desperately.
In addition to Caicedo, Chelsea hopes to outbid Liverpool for another midfielder, Romeo Lavia, by reaching an agreement with Southampton.
Southampton has reportedly rejected at least three proposals from Liverpool for Lavia, but Chelsea has reportedly indicated a willingness to offer more than £50 million for the 19-year-old.
