Caicedo's agent criticises Brighton for denying 'dream' transfer

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:09 CDT
• 3 min read

Moises Caicedo's agent believes that Brighton & Hove Albion stopped a possible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by preventing the Ecuador midfielder from leaving in January.

Caicedo was the subject of several bids from Premier League leaders Arsenal, but Brighton rejected the Gunners' advances in order to keep the midfielder at the club.

When speculation surrounding his proposed move to the Emirates picked up speed, Caicedo added fuel to the fire when posted a message on social media that read: "I am grateful to Mr. Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I I always play football with a smile and with heart.

READ: Chelsea's record-breaking spending won't continue, claims Potter

"I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador. My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.

"I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.

"The fans have taken me into their hearts, and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity."

READ: Chelsea could have paid 'substantially' less for Enzo Fernandez, Benfica admit

It was reported that Caicedo was interested in linking up with former manager Graham Potter at Chelsea, but was willing to wait until the summer to make the switch to London. However, Arsenal's January offer turned his head, with the possibility of an immediate title challenge something that attracted the Ecuador international.

However, despite receiving several bids for their star, Brighton resisted Arsenal's efforts. Furthermore, they even dropped him from the squad to face Liverpool in the FA Cup, and he was told to avoid the training ground until the transfer window was shut.

Caicedo's agent, Manuel Sierra, wasn't hidden his disappointment over the failed move, and has admitted this opportunity may never come up again.

What has been said?

Speaking to Marca90Ec, Sierra said: "The offers were received, you see what is on the table and Moises says that he wants to go forward, that it is the dream of his whole life. That it is an opportunity that may not be repeated in life.

“In that statement, he expresses his wish and his gratitude to the club because they gave him the chance to fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League. We don’t know what can happen tomorrow, maybe he trains and gets injured. We can’t know what’s going to happen."

Arsenal instead signed Italy international Jorginho from Chelsea, who penned an 18-month contract at the North London club.