Failed transfers seem to leave many unanswered questions. One such failed transfer that must have left some questions for Gooners is the failed winter pursuit of Moises Caicedo.
The Brighton man was the one Mikel Arteta identified as the missing link in his midfield in his quest to run away with the 2022–23 league title. Unfortunately, three bids of over £60 million didn’t convince the Seagulls to let their midfield engine go.
The first question in Caicedo’s failed pursuit was, Why did Brighton reject those rich bids from Arsenal? Brighton CEO Paul Barber explained to the Beautiful Game Podcast that their project and ambitions were heavily reliant on Caicedo and that letting him go in the middle of the season would be a mistake.
“For us in January selling Moises was not a good move,” Barber said about the plans being anchored on Caicedo. “He was one of our best players at the beginning of the season, and we were in a great position in the league, still in the FA Cup and there was a lot of football to play.
“We want to try and achieve our best-ever finish in the Premier League and if we do that there is a chance that we could qualify for European competitions.
“The stakes were big for us in the second half of the season, and Moises was a big part of that.”
Other than being a key part of their plans this season, the Brighton CEO admitted that it was too early for Caicedo to take the next step and that they had to be selfish and guide him on what was best for him, but only for then, as they are sure a time will be reached for the Ecuadorian to take the next step.
“He is also a young player who is still learning his game,” Barber added. “He is far away from the country that he was born in, and therefore we have a responsibility to do the best for the player long-term as well as in the short-term for us.
“We felt that was best served by keeping Moises with us, trying to do the best we can for the rest of this season and what will be in the future will be.
“Moises is a top-class player and such a lovely, and he has the potential to be anything that he wants to be, so this won’t be the only transfer window where Moises is a popular attraction for other clubs.”
Listening to the Brighton boss’ admission of why they didn’t let Caicedo go answers a lot of questions, but for Gooners, I guess the biggest question they’ll want answered is now that the Brighton man signed a new deal a few weeks ago, will Arsenal still have an interest in trying to sign him come the transfer window?
Daniel O
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Love or hate Brighton, they are proving to be quite shrewd in transfers. They have brought in great talent and have sold some for huge profits.
If they would have sold Caicedo I don’t think they could maintain their level of success.
They are thinking why sell now for 60 million when 2-3 years time he will fetch even more?
It’s a gamble no doubt, but I believe Caicedo is the real deal and a fine B2B midfielder.
That being said, I wouldn’t overspend for him, when we could fill 2 positions for the cost of signing him.
Brighton is probably the best run Club in the EPL in terms of competence and efficiency, and the understandable reasoning behind their decision not to sell Caicedo is yet another example of how to engage with a valued employee and persuade him to stay on board at a time of unprecedented success.The personal skills displayed by their CEO is admirable.
I agree with you, and I also admire the way the replaced Potter and the new manager continued their success.
The transition between managers was nearly seamless, and yet another feather in the cap of this fine club.
Brighton is one of the very active club this season but if in the next transfer window arsenal still have interest in Caicedo is a good chance for him