Newcastle United set to battle with Liverpool for Moises Caicedo

Newcastle United and Liverpool are set to battle it out to acquire the services of Moises Caicedo in January

According to recent reports, Newcastle United will lock horns with Liverpool to sign Moises Caicedo. The Brighton and Hove Albion player has garnered interest from both Liverpool and Newcastle United after his impressive display in the ongoing season. The Seagulls have put a hefty price tag on the Ecuadorian international which has dampened the spirit at both Anfield and St James Park.

The report read:

"Newcastle United are redrawing their January transfer plans to include the search for a midfield playmaker with Brighton’s Moises CaicedoIt promises to be a far from a straightforward window for Newcastle’s recruitment team. The Caicedo deal is already seen as a long shot, with Brighton reluctant to sell to the Magpies following the poaching of director of football Dan Ashworth, as well as an asking price well in excess of £60 million(Via: Daily Telegraph)"

Liverpool completed the deal for Cody Gakpo in a lightning fashion, sending shocking waves across Europe. The Merseyside outfit might struggle to shell €70 million on a midfielder amidst the club being up for grabs. On the other hand, Newcastle United might also struggle to take the deal over the line, as they do not have a good rapport with the Seagulls. The Magpies had poached Dan Ashworth, the director of football, from Brighton and Hove Albion in January 2022.

Moises Caicedo in EPL 2022/23 season

In the ongoing season, the Ecuadorian international has started all 15 games for the Seagulls. The defensive midfielder has a goal to his name alongside 3.04 tackles per game. The player also averages 1.35 interceptions per 90 in the English top flight. The 20-year-old is known for his aerial duels and for breaking the play since his tenure with Independiente.

(Stats via fbref)

What next for Newcastle United and Liverpool?

At the moment, the financial might of Newcastle United is unparalleled. They can complete any deal but are not looking to overspend in January. The Magpies are looking to sign a midfielder to fill the void left by Jonjo Shelvey’s injury. The Tyneside outfit is also considering signing Youri Tielemans from Leicester City, who has just six months left on his contract.

For Liverpool, the club wants to rejuvenate the midfield by signing prolific Premier League-proven players. James Milner is in his late 30s whereas the rest of the midfield averages 30. Though they have Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliot in their pack, the youngsters have an inclination towards attack and not defense. Moises Caicedo can perfectly fit the bill for Liverpool alongside Fabinho.

With several midfield options available in the market for both parties, it remains interesting to see if the clubs want to participate in the bidding war.

Our prediction: Considering the financial might and the hot form of the club, we expect Moises Caicedo to end up at St James Park in January/June 2023.

Will Liverpool loosen their purse strings again in the transfer window? Have your say below!