Could Liverpool Return for Moisés Caicedo  | OneFootball

Could Liverpool Return for Moisés Caicedo

I am of the belief that if Liverpool had been successful in their pursuit of Moisés Caicedo in the summer of 2023, they would not only remain in the race to become Premier League champions, they would be the firm favourites to succeed. After failing to land the former Brighton enforcer with their £115m club record bid, the reds pivoted towards an experienced campaigner in Wataru Endō, who arrived from Stuttgart for a moderate £16m fee in the weeks thereafter. There can be no doubt in the brilliance that was portrayed by the Ecuadorian player (for his former employers), as he and Alexis Mac Allister formed the most impressive midfield double pivot through the 2022/23 campaign. Ultimately, the reds attempt to coax both players to Anfield failed, with only the Argentina World Cup winner ending up on Merseyside, whilst his former teammate agreed a deal to sign for huge spending Chelsea. Not one fan would be annoyed if that signing had of gone through, given the more stable environment he would have been walking into. I have no doubt that under the wing of Liverpool’s illustrious German manager, the defensive midfielder would have become one of the leagues standout players instead of underwhelming with so many at the Bridge.

Why Would Liverpool Return for a Player that Rejected Them…?

At the time of that transfer saga, it was the former interim Sporting Director, Jörg Schmadtke, who failed to not only secure the signing of the former Independiente del Valle prodigy, but also Southampton’s highly rated midfielder, Roméo Lavia. After flirting with the former Manchester City starlet throughout that summer, he too chose the riches of Stamford Bridge in a second blow to Liverpool’s regeneration. Despite Japan’s international skipper, Wataru Endō, having a largely successful season as a red, his best performances have never even close to the elite performances produced but Moisés whilst on the South Coast. It was that sensational form that led to the huge initial offer, which is something which must be considered when surveying recruitment this year. Unfortunately for the aggressive ball winner, Chelsea have been disjointed and at times dreadful, as their outlandish spending has had the adverse effect to that which was desired by their excitable owner, Todd Boehly. Given the pressures of profit and sustainability rules threatening to force the West London club into a fire sale, I do wonder whether the reds new Sporting CEO, Michael Edwards, and Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, may look to revisit the player after his torrid campaign as a blue. Under the management of Mauricio Pochettino, the formation, style, and playing personnel of the Premier League’s mid table side, has seen the stock of many of their players plummet, as they prepare for another season without Champions League football. The need for immediate funds is quickly approaching the Premier League’s 9th placed side, which is something that will become a yearly struggle as they attempt to meet the financial requirements that have led to points deductions for both Everton and Nottingham Forest. In the returning Michael Edwards, there is absolutely a world class operator that can take emotion away from his dealings and see the sense in what is best for his club.

Moisés Caicedo

Age – 22-years old (DOB 2/11/2001)

Current club – Chelsea

Height – 5ft 10inches

Weight – 73kg

Chelsea Appearances – 43 games

Chelsea Minutes Played – 3,475

Transfermarkt Value – €80m

As Jürgen Klopp prepares to depart his beloved Liverpool in just a few weeks’ time, any bad taste that was left by the transfer saga of last summer and the rejection of the above player, could be considered as nothing more than a last ditch bid which was always doomed for failure. A new and more measured approach could therefore be undertaken, which could benefit the immediate needs of the Anfield squad and the incoming head coach, Arne Slot. The assumed 4-2-3-1 system that is expected to be utilised next season, would benefit hugely from the addition of Chelsea’s 22-year-old holding midfield man, allowing a reunion of the explosive Brighton double pivot which excelled under Roberto De Zerbi. Both Slot and the current Albion manager, De Zerbi, share many similarities in their build up play and formations, which could lead to more control from a pair which brought the best from one another. With reduced terms in the range of £70m pit on the table, it would certainly test the resolve of a club that will have tough decisions to make.

Regarding the suitability of the player, he would be the perfect piece to position next to Alexis and protect a defence that has been set upon far too often this season. If Liverpool are hoping to get back into the title mix next season, then this sort of asset must be acquired and despite what unfolded last year, I hope Edwards and co can look at the bigger picture and what a rejuvenated Moisés Caicedo could offer the new head coach.