Chelsea’s January target signs new long-term contract with Brighton

Chelsea’s January transfer target Moises Caiedo signs a new contract with Brighton

According to Sky Sports, Moises Caicedo, who was a January transfer target for Chelsea, has signed a new contract with Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Ecuador international, who wrote a farewell message to Brighton fans ahead of the deadline day of the January window, now agrees to sign a new contract with them that will last until the summer of 2027, with an option to extend that by a year.

Caicedo was also a transfer target in the winter window and Brighton rejected two bids from the Gunners. They rejected interest from Chelsea in the meantime as well.

The 21-year-old, who signed for the Seagulls in February 2021, has been one of the ever-presents in their side since making his debut in April 2022 after spending the first half of last season on loan with Belgian club Beerschot.

Caicedo has been one of the best midfielders in the league this season, with excellent passing, ball control, intensity off the ball and progressive running with the ball.

This news could come as a dampener for Chelsea who wanted him in January. It is clear that the Blues will have a slot to fill in the midfield department in the summer.

Mateo Kovacic is linked with Manchester City for a summer move, while Mason Mount could leave too. So, the club would need to sign a box-to-box midfielder to accompany the likes of Enzo Fernandez and N’Golo Kante.

The question is – has Caicedo signed this new deal with an agreement to leave Brighton in the summer? Maybe, the Seagulls made him sign that to keep his high value intact for a summer deal. We never know.

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If that is the case, Chelsea should keep a close eye on that development and see if the Ecuadorian is available for a move at the end of this season.