The General Manager of Independiente del Valle announces the transfer of Moisés Caicedo
On Thursday, Santiago Morales, the General Manager of Independiente del Valle, confirmed the transfer of Moisés Caicedo to Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club. He also mentioned the possibility of immediately loaning the Ecuadorian midfielder to a second division team in Belgium for one season, so he can familiarize himself with the culture, the game, and the climate in Europe.
Caicedo, who is 19 years old, was reportedly sold for a fee between 4 and 6 million dollars for 80% of his economic rights.
In December 2020, Caicedo was linked to Manchester United because, according to The Guardian, the Ecuadorian midfielder "fits the profile of the best young players in the world". Later, British media reported alleged offers from other Premier League clubs such as Chelsea, West Ham United, and Newcastle United. Brighton was not mentioned among the interested parties.
On January 11, Santiago Morales finally announced the agreement reached between Independiente del Valle and the English club, although Caicedo still needed to complete the necessary paperwork for his work visa in the United Kingdom.
"Everything is confirmed with a Premier League club for Moisés Caicedo. He is currently obtaining his work visa, and we will announce the transfer between Wednesday and Thursday," Morales told La Red, a radio station from Quito.
Ten days later, the same club executive confirmed the transfer of the Ecuadorian gem, making Caicedo the second Ecuadorian footballer to join Brighton after Billy Arce in August 2018.
"The transfer fee for Caicedo is between 4 and 6 million dollars. I believe it has been a significant sale. We have sold 80% of the player's economic rights and reserved 20% for a future sale," Morales revealed in an interview with Área 88, a radio program from Cuenca.
"I don't see him being afraid or worried. We don't know if Brighton will loan (Caicedo) to a second-tier team in Europe. However, it seems that, just like in Ecuador, Europe also has limits on foreign players. In that sense, I understand that Brighton does not have any openings for the rest of the winter season, as there are few months left in the English championship," Morales mentioned regarding a possible loan for the Ecuadorian player to a lower-tier team in the Old Continent.
"And I think it would be wise for Moisés to start playing in a less demanding European league to get familiar with the culture, the game, and the climate, and be ready for the preseason in June or July (2021), so he can return to Brighton and become a key player in the next season," Morales concluded about that possibility.
Regarding the documentation process for the now Brighton player, the Independiente del Valle executive revealed that "yesterday we received Moisés Caicedo's visa for him to travel to England. He has tickets to travel tomorrow (Friday) and will undergo medical check-ups to join Brighton. (D)
IDV vendió el 80% de los derechos de Moisés Caicedo ---- al Brighton --------------, reservándose el 20% de una futura venta. Los valores son los que se han hablado -entre $ 5 y $ 6 millones-. [2/2] pic.twitter.com/BclMnO9E54
— Andrés Muñoz Araneda (@andresmunoza) January 21, 2021