The next Zaha: Caicedo has signed himself out of the big transfer he deserves

Suraj Radia

• 5 Mar 2023 09:40 GMT
• 2 min read

Moises Caicedo does not have a release clause in his new contract with Brighton, potentially ruling out the prospect of a big transfer for the in-demand midfielder this summer.

Caicedo had requested to leave the Seagulls in January and was the subject of £60 million approaches from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea but he has now signed a deal that will keep him with Brighton until 2027.

Despite speculation that Brighton were willing to cash in on their star man this summer, the new deal is understood to have no release clause and rewards Caicedo for his form with a lucrative pay rise.

OPTIONS: The alternatives to Caicedo after his new deal with Brighton

The Ecuadorian’s decision to commit his future to Brighton is certainly a coup for the club, however Caicedo could find himself regretting the lack of an exit clause should Roberto de Zerbi’s side fail to build on their current impressive season.

Brighton sit eighth in the Premier League, just one point outside the top six and, while they have every opportunity to qualify for Europe, the fierce competition could also see them settle for a top-half finish.

Caicedo’s new contract drew comparisons from some to Wilfried Zaha, who turned down interest from Arsenal to sign a five-year extension with Crystal Palace in 2018, a deal which is only coming to an end this summer.

Although Zaha received a significant pay rise and established himself as an icon with his club, the 30-year-old never secured a move to a European side and his missed opportunity could be a sign of things to come for Caicedo.

Why Caicedo could still be sold…if there are any takers left

Caicedo’s decision to sign a new deal is an understandable one given his meteoric rise to stardom, having only moved from his native Ecuador in 2021.

Brighton are a club that have proven to be a good place for development and, as plenty have discovered, the grass isn’t always greener once a player makes the step up to a bigger side.

The Seagulls have also demonstrated that they are willing to negotiate to sell their star players if they wish to leave, regardless of release clauses, indicating that Caicedo may have received verbal assurances over his future rather than a figure being locked into his deal.

CHANCE: Arsenal and Chelsea 'remain interested' in Caicedo

However, Brighton have even less incentive to sell now, having protected the value of their asset, and Caicedo’s asking price may rocket beyond a point worth paying for their rivals.

With the likes of Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice set for moves this summer, Caicedo’s window for a move could disappear in front of his very eyes and he will be determined to achieve success with Brighton or risk wondering ‘what if’ like Zaha at Palace.