IT’S OFFICIAL: Moises Caicedo joins Chelsea from Brighton for record £115m

Chelsea have announced the signing of Moises Caicedo from Brighton for a British record £115 million.

The Blues unveiled their latest signing in a statement on Monday.

The midfielder signed an eight-year deal that will see him stay at Stamford Bridge until 2031, plus the option of an extra year.

“Chelsea is delighted to announce the signing of Ecuador international Moises Caicedo,” the statement reads.

“The 21-year-old midfielder has agreed an eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with a club option of a further year, and joins from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion.”

Brighton had initially accepted a £111 million bid from Liverpool for the Ecuador international.

Caicedo, however, turned down the chance of joining Liverpool, saying his mind is on Chelsea who would later submit an improved deal to close the year-long chase.

The deal taking Caicedo to Chelsea is a British record, eclipsing the amount paid by the club to sign Enzo Fernandez in January.

According to BBC Sport, Chelsea will pay £100 million upfront, with the rest as add-ons.

Caicedo, at his unveiling, said he has always set his mind on joining Chelsea over any other club.

“I am so happy to join Chelsea! I am so excited to be here at this big club and I didn’t have to think twice when Chelsea called me, I just knew I wanted to sign for the club. It’s a dream come true to be here and I can’t wait to get started with the team,” he said.

Caicedo, hailed as one of the best young defensive midfielders around, joined Brighton for just £4.5 million in February 2021.

He played 53 matches for Brighton.