Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly interested in AIK wonderkid Yasin Ayari amid rumours that Liverpool are keen on signing Seagulls superstar Moises Caicedo.
According to Sportbladet, the south coast Premier League side are showing an interest in the 19-year-old midfielder, who enjoyed a breakout season in the Allsvenskan last year as Ayari made 24 appearances for the Stockholm-based club, scoring four goals and assisting two.
As per the report, interest is high in Ayari after such an impressive year, though Brighton are now seemingly leading the charge to sign the Swedish youth international, a tempting message for Liverpool that Caicedo could be available either this window or in the summer.
The Reds have been heavily linked with the Ecuador wonderkid as Liverpool look to sign a midfielder this January, though with the Mirror reporting that Caicedo could cost as much as £65m, it would take quite a financial undertaking from the Anfield side to meet Brighton’s demands.
Indeed, Brighton signing Ayari is a type of transfer the Seagulls have made numerous times to sensational results in recent years. And Roberto De Zerbi’s side winning the race for the teenage Swede could open a realistic door for Liverpool in their pursuit of Caicedo.
After all, Liverpool’s need for a central midfielder is clear for everyone to see. And with Brighton making moves that could be seen as insurance for Caicedo leaving in the coming weeks, now could be the time for the Reds to strike for the 21-year-old South American talent.
Liverpool must move for Caicedo if Brighton sign Ayari
Brighton’s strategy of signing young talents and nurturing them in a Premier League environment is a method that has been very successful for the Seagulls, with the likes of Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister the two main hits in recent years. And Ayari could follow suit if a deal can be completed, which must give Liverpool a signal to strike.
Caicedo might be a costly player this window and Brighton might still refuse to sell the midfielder even if they sign Ayari. However, for Liverpool, the need for a central midfielder is urgent enough that the Reds must not afford to waste time on a player like the 21-year-old Ecuadorian.
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