An Ecuadorian who played for Beerschot 2 seasons ago is suddenly the most expensive Premier League transfer ever. Chelsea pays 133 million euros for Moises Caicedo after a long transfer soap. A sketch of the reasons behind the record sum for the energetic midfielder.
133 million euros.
That is the amount Chelsea spent on what should become the beating heart of the team. And making Moises Caicedo the most expensive signing in Premier League history.
The race for his signature with Liverpool sent prices skyrocketing. Although it is not the only reason why the bar has been raised again.
Versatility is a statement. “He certainly belongs in the list of the very best midfielders,” says former teammate Mike Vanhamel.
Caicedo’s stats in the Premier League last season prove that. Together with Trent Alexander-Arnold, he is the only one to record more than 40 successful tackles, interceptions and chances created.
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Talent evident from the first moment
The transfer fee may come as a surprise to outsiders, but it is not for ex-teammate Mike Vanhamel.
“Caicedo came to us in stocking feet,” says the goalkeeper about his entrance to Beerschot in 2021. “He immediately showed during training that he is bursting with talent.”
The goalkeeper was immediately convinced. “Certainly because of his ball handling. He was already too good for the Belgian league at the time.”
Caicedo managed 1 goal in the Jupiler Pro League, assisted by Mike Vanhamel.
According to Vanhamel, a large part of Caicedo’s success is due to who he is. It was not an easy season for a wandering Beerschot, but the Ecuadorian continued to give everything.
“He didn’t feel too good for Beerschot, he was a pleasant boy. He worked hard, it was noticeable that he had the drive to go to the Premier League.”
Even then he was working on his big dream.
In terms of talent, Caicedo is comparable to Paul Pogba and Riyad Mahrez.
Mike Vanhamel
Caicedo was eventually recalled to parent club Brighton in the winter.
“He preferred to play everything with us than to sit on the bench in England, even if Beerschot was not doing well. That was to his credit. Although we also realized that he would not be on the bench for long in Brighton.”
“I used to play in Le Havre together with Riyad Mahrez and Paul Pogba, they are comparable to him in terms of talent. So that is the top of the Premier League. He can handle that.”
“He is really a fantastic boy with a great work ethic who has always followed his dream. Often you see a lot of talent, but something is missing. With him everything falls together.”
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Dynamic duo in the Chelsea midfield
At Chelsea, Caicedo finds another trainer who is good for him, according to Vanhamel. In London he will meet Enzo Fernandez, the previous record transfer.
All together good for 254 million euros. For many a sum too large for similar types. But Vanhamel believes that the cooperation between the two convinced Chelsea to open up the portfolio.
“Although they are very similar types, I do think that Fernandez and Caicedo can be combined,” says Vanhamel.
Caicedo needs freedom for the defense, then he can read the game.
Mike Vanhamel
“The system that Pochettino wants with Chelsea has two defensive midfielders who have to cover a lot of ground. Caicedo and Fernandez are good for that. They are both really pit bulls.”
“They also act as a conduit between defense and attack. You can’t put Caicedo really high on the field, he doesn’t get enough statistics. He needs freedom for defense, then he can read the game.”
The role that is made for him. And make Chelsea a title contender again?
2023-08-15 17:32:26
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