Liverpool are reportedly keen admirers of Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, with Jurgen Klopp still seeking to freshen up his midfield ranks.
What’s the word?
According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, the 21-year-old is certainly a player who is on the Anfield outfit’s radar at present, with the Merseysiders having seemingly held a long-term interest in the Ecuadorean international.
The transfer insider revealed on Twitter: “Liverpool do really like Caicedo, and have a historical interest, but they didn’t move for him at Independiente del Valle due to unwanted costs away from the low fee.”
Jacobs – who previously suggested that the Seagulls were looking for a fee of around £70m – then noted that as yet, the Reds have not made an offer for the youngster, with rivals Chelsea also seemingly in the equation for his signature:
“As previously reported, Liverpool have not placed a bid this month. #CFC more likely to be the ones who meet #BHAFC’s valuation in January. Summer perhaps a different story.”
Boldly ditch Henderson
It is hard to deny that the six-time European champions are in need of reinforcements in the centre of the park, with the signing of Caicedo helping to offer a more youthful presence to replace the likes of Jordan Henderson in the side.
The latter man – who turns 33 later this year – is far from on the wane, although the long-serving skipper may well simply be unable to match the exuberant quality of the Brighton man at present.
That is evidenced by the fact that while the England international has averaged just 0.8 tackles and 0.6 interceptions in the league this season, Caicedo has averaged 2.9 and 1.4 for the same two metrics, respectively.
Not only is the younger man proving far more effective at winning back possession, but the 5 foot 10 ace is also outperforming Henderson in an attacking sense, as he has scored once and registered one assist in the top-flight this season, while the Three Lions veteran has failed to get off the mark in either metric.
That lack of creativity is showcased by the fact that the former Sunderland machine has averaged 0.9 key passes per 90 so far this season compared to 1.1 in that metric for Caicedo, while the latter man appears to show greater composure on the ball after enjoying a pass accuracy rate of 88%, compared 83% for Henderson.
While there may be concerns over losing the Liverpool captain’s experience and presence in the dressing room, his potential replacement is also seemingly a player who can be something of a talismanic figure, having been described as a “future leader” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
It would, no doubt, be a bold call to part ways with a player who has been integral to a period of remarkable success in recent years under Klopp, although in Caicedo the Reds appear to have identified a figure who could prove an ideal successor to Henderson in the side.
The race is now on to see just who will be able to pluck the highly-sought maestro from the Amex, although those at Anfield would be wise to ensure that they are at the front of the queue.
