Liverpool fans were treated to exciting news after a £35m deal for Cody Gakpo was agreed, but there is now an issue surrounding another target in Moises Caicedo.
What’s the story?
Well, it was Sky Sports who revealed that Liverpool want to sign the Ecuador international from Brighton.
However, Jürgen Klopp hinted that the signing of Gakpo may influence other deals he can pull off in January, as detailed by the Independent.
Therefore, it seems highly unlikely that Liverpool would be able to meet Brighton’s £70m – £75m asking price for Caicedo, with many at Anfield now resigned to waiting until the summer for the South American wonderkid.
Now, however, the Reds may not be able to wait.
Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports has claimed that “there is a real sense” Chelsea are about to bid for Caicedo, as Graham Potter aims to be reunited with the 21-year-old he helped develop at Brighton now rather than in the summer.
Jacobs adds that Brighton know they can charge an inflated price after Chelsea paid above market value to sign Marc Cucurella in a £62m deal back in August.
Despite being aware of that stance, Jacobs states that Chelsea are weighing up an offer, so it seems they have not been put off by the significant asking price whatsoever.
That is worrying news for Liverpool, who seemingly have no plans to bid anywhere near that amount for Caicedo.
In our view at least, Klopp will have to cross the Brighton No.25 off his shortlist if this claim from Jacobs is true.
Liverpool focusing on Bellingham over Caicedo
According to the Belfast Telegraph, Jude Bellingham remains Liverpool’s No.1 target.
Of course, it will be a blow to lose out on Caicedo to a Premier League rival in Chelsea, as Liverpool appear to want more than just one new midfielder, but if the Reds can sign the England international from Borussia Dortmund, we’re sure Klopp won’t mind.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as both Liverpool and Chelsea find themselves in the market for midfield reinforcements.
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