Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has reportedly emerged as an unexpected transfer target for the Saudi Pro League.
The Blues made headlines in 2023 when they agreed to pay up to £115million for the Ecuadorian midfielder after securing his move from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Although Liverpool were also prepared to offer a similar fee, Caicedo ultimately chose Chelsea over the Reds – a decision that could have cost him the chance to win his first Premier League title.
After a challenging debut season in West London, however, Caicedo has found his rhythm and established himself as a key player.
The 23-year-old is the only Chelsea player to have started every Premier League game this season, firmly cementing his place in the defensive midfield role.
Despite being occasionally deployed as a right-back under former head coach Mauricio Pochettino, Caicedo’s impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, with reports suggesting interest from the affluent Saudi Pro League.
Al Nassr, home to high-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Jhon Duran, have reportedly placed Caicedo on a shortlist of potential targets.
According to The Telegraph, the Saudi club views him as a “dream” acquisition.
However, there is no indication that Chelsea would entertain the idea of parting with Caicedo, especially considering the significant financial commitment made to bring him to the club.
Any potential move would likely need to exceed £100million to avoid a substantial loss on their investment.
Additionally, Chelsea’s midfield depth has been strained, with injuries to Romeo Lavia limiting competition for Caicedo’s starting spot.
Caicedo’s performances, which at one point helped Chelsea rise to second in the Premier League, have impressed head coach Enzo Maresca, who recently declared that the Ecuadorian is among the best in the world in his position.
“In this moment, I think he is one of the best, or the best, defensive midfielders in the world. He’s been fantastic,” Maresca said after Chelsea’s win over Tottenham Hotspur.
“The best thing about Moisés is that every day, he works seriously. He’s very humble, very kind, and polite—a fantastic guy.”
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