Blow for Liverpool as PL target on their radar is unlikely to swap clubs in January

Liverpool target Moises Caicedo unlikely to leave Brighton in January

Brighton and Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo finds himself on that list among what seems like a million midfielders linked with a move to Liverpool. The 21-year-old Ecuadorian recently hit the headlines when he was his country’s lone goalscorer in a 2-1 loss to Senegal in the FIFA World Cup Group stage.

In his short span in the Premier League under Graham Potter initially and now Roberto De Zerbi, Caicedo has been extremely impressive, and has caught the attention of Liverpool’s recruitment team. In 25 appearances across all competitions for the Sussex side, the player has a couple of goals and as many assists

Back in August before Brighton’s then-manager, Potter moved to Chelsea, the Englishman claimed that the player was worth £100m to the club. Obviously, for a player with less than 50 appearances in the top flight, the amount is ridiculous, and to a large extent, exaggerated.

The facts are pretty simple to understand. Liverpool’s ageing midfield needs an overhaul. The likes of James Milner and Jordan Henderson simply can not put in the hard yards for the club with a long-term perspective.

Thiago, even with his world-class performances week in and week out is extremely injury-prone, and as a matter of fact, even he is on the wrong side of his thirties. Younger options in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita will in all likelihood leave the club next summer after their contracts expire.

Caicedo to the Reds

Signing someone like a Caicedo, or Jude Bellingham has multiple benefits. Two issues, one of the ageing squad, and two, the long-term future of the club, both have a common solution. Signing a midfielder or two will straightaway eliminate two of the major issues Liverpool are facing.

But with noted journalist Fabrizio Romano informing via his exclusive column for CaughtOffside that Caicedo is unlikely to leave in January, Liverpool need to look at alternatives.

“Caicedo is not expected to leave in January, the situation is still the same. Liverpool, Man United but also other clubs are monitoring him; he’s been on Manchester United’s list for years but then nothing happened. I’m sure Brighton will try to keep him at least until June,”

More Liverpool News:

• Matthew Upson slams Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez for Uruguay performance against Portugal
• Liverpool have rejected the chance to sign Brighton & Hove Albion forward Leandro Trossard
• Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique believes England manager Gareth Southgate does not trust Trent Alexander-Arnold

Sooner or later, it is unquestionably crucial for the Reds to sign a new player in the middle of the park as the creative element of the team has to come from more than one player and also securing the time to come ahead for the Reds is essential.