Why does Brighton midfielder Moisés Caicedo want to join Chelsea ahead of Premier League rivals Liverpool?

Brighton midfielder Moisés Caicedo looked all set to seal a move to Liverpool after Jürgen Klopp’s side had a £111 million ($140.9 million) bid accepted by the Seagulls, which would have broken the British transfer record. However, it appears as if the player won’t be moving to Anfield after all, with Chelsea now on red alert.

The Ecuadorian was expected to travel to Merseyside for a medical on Friday but has reportedly informed both Brighton and Liverpool that he only wants to leave his current club for Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues.

Caicedo stance may save Chelsea money

The Stamford Bridge side have been chasing Caicedo all summer but have yet to submit an offer of over £100 million ($127 million), which is still short of The Segulls’ valuation of one of their star players.

But despite Liverpool and Brighton having already completed the paperwork for the deal, there is one essential ingredient missing: Caicedo’s signature. Aware that they are now in an incredibly strong position, Chelsea will now be able to go back in for one of their main targets of the summer window and will hope the 21-year-old’s stance knocks a little off the transfer fee.

USMNT captain Adams suffers knock-on effect?

Additionally, USMNT captain Tyler Adams, who plays in a similar position, has seen his move to The Blues fall through after the two parties were “unable to reach an agreement”, news which broke shortly after Caicedo’s preference became known.

Caicedo’s reason for choosing Chelsea over Liverpool

The Stamford Bridge side have long been considered the favourites to sign the Ecuador international, having agreed personal terms with the player all the way back in May, before submitting a bid to Brighton. According to Italian journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Caicedo didn’t want to go back on his word having already agreed a move to London in principle.