>
Moises Caicedo signs a new contract with Brighton until 2027 despite the Ecuadorian midfielder begging to leave the club for Arsenal in January as head coach Roberto De Zerbi says he will make the Seagulls ‘stronger’
Moises Caicedo has signed a new contract with Brighton until 2027 despite the Ecuadorian midfielder begging to leave the club for Arsenal in January.
The 21-year-old joined Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle in February 2021 but was desperate to force a move to Arsenal or Chelsea.
Arsenal showed great interest and had two offers turned down, the second of which was worth £70 million.
Caicedo himself also pushed for a move, going public with his pleas on social media, but Brighton stood his ground.
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi said: ‘This is fantastic news for the club, our fans, me and most importantly Moises.
Moises Caicedo has signed a new contract with Brighton until 2027 despite the Ecuadorian midfielder begging to leave the club for Arsenal in January.
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi said: “This is fantastic news for the club, our fans, me and most importantly Moises.”
“It will make us stronger as we move towards our goals on the field.”
The Gaviotas also have the option of a further year for Caicedo, who has made a huge impact at the Amex Stadium since making his Premier League debut last April.
Caicedo told Brighton he wished to leave in an open letter posted on social media.
It read: “I’m grateful to Mr Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel like I’ve always done my best for them.” I always play soccer with a smile and with my heart.
‘I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santo Domingo in Ecuador. My dream is always to be the most successful player in the history of Ecuador.
“I am proud to be able to generate a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to succeed.”
“The fans have taken me into their hearts and will always be in my heart, so I hope you can understand why I want to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”
However, he remained on the south coast and has now made 29 Premier League appearances for the Seagulls.
The 21-year-old expressed his desire to leave Brighton in a social media post in January.
Arsenal showed great interest and had two offers turned down, the second of which was worth £70 million.
Moses made his full Premier League debut in April 2022 in a 2-1 win at Arsenal.
He was left out of the Seagulls’ FA Cup win over Liverpool on 30 January, but rejoined the group for a 1–0 win over Bournemouth, where he came on as a substitute.
The midfielder’s agent criticized Brighton for denying him the transfer of his “dreams” to Arsenal.
Having failed to sign Caicedo, Arsenal signed Jorginho from Chelsea.