What else has to be done by Moises Caicedo at this point to persuade Manchester United that he is worthy of the – admittedly considerable – sum of money?
The international from Ecuador made an impression in each of Brighton’s previous four encounters with Manchester United. He scored in the agonizing 4-0 thrashing under Ralf Rangnick last season. On the first day and during the FA Cup semifinal, he was in charge at Old Trafford. At the Amex last month, Caicedo also managed to keep Marcus Rashford quiet in a strange right-back position.
Moises Caicedo of Brighton is wanted by Manchester United
Caicedo not only nailed his audition, but he also strutted into the recording studio and delivered his lines with the conviction and plausibility of a Robert de Niro from the 1970s. Ten Hag most likely doesn’t need any more persuasion that the all-action 21-year-old, who is both a ball-winner and a ball-player, has the personality, poise, and flair to play a pivotal part in his second season as Manchester United’s manager.
Sky Sports reports that United has been asked to be kept abreast of Caicedo’s future developments. United is also thought to be a greater “threat” at this point than Chelsea, with Newcastle also hot on the heels of what is possibly the division’s most complete young midfielder ( The Times). The 13-time Premier League champions held talks before Brighton signed Caicedo from Independiente del Valle back in 2021.
According to The Times, Caicedo is worth more than £80 million to Brighton.
A cost that might exclude Newcastle, who, according to the Daily Mail, only have £75 million to spend. Arsenal, meanwhile, has made Declan Rice their top target after Caicedo was passed over for a transfer to the Emirates in January.
The Times also reports that Arsenal have ‘withdrawn’ from the competition to acquire Caicedo because Rice is likely to consume a large portion of Mikel Arteta’s money.
“We worry he’ll leave”
Any transfer from Manchester United will probably be put on hold for the time being as well because Ten Hag is eager to bring in Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund before shifting his focus to other players.
Furthermore, before making a bid around Brighton’s £70 million asking price, the Red Devils will probably need to find a buyer for Scott McTominay and/or Fred.
Pervis Estupinan, Caicedo’s teammate for both Brighton and Ecuador, acknowledges, “Having a player of Moi’s characteristics, we all fear that he will leave,” (The Argus).
“If he stays, I’ll be thrilled to continue playing with him and cheering on his team. He is a good man and a good professional, therefore I will wish him the best if he departs. He is an automaton.
“If he goes, we’ll be at odds. All I’ll ask is that he refrain from hitting me, as he is incredibly powerful.