£70m star who’s like Wijnaldum ‘would be perfect’ at Anfield

Liverpool could make a move for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo, who would be a “perfect fit” at Anfield, journalist Ryan Taylor claims.

Caicedo’s performances have caught the eye and Taylor believes the Ecuadorian international could hold the solution to Liverpool’s midfield problems.

Liverpool transfer news – Moises Caicedo

A name on everybody’s lips, Caicedo has been subject to plenty of January speculation, with a number of Premier League clubs rumoured to be interested.

According to The Athletic, Chelsea have lined Caicedo up as a “less-costly” alternative to high-profile midfield targets, such as Enzo Fernandez and Jude Bellingham.

As are Liverpool, who according to Sky Sports News are keen on the midfielder, having been impressed by his performances in the Premier League and at the recent World Cup.

Caicedo, who featured in all three of Ecuador’s group games in Qatar, joined Brighton for the modest fee of £4.5 million in February 2021, with the Seagulls now looking like they could make a healthy profit on the midfielder.

In the summer, it was reported Liverpool were eyeing up a £42 million bid for Caicedo, with the then-Brighton boss Graham Potter going on to joke such a fee would get “his “just the laces” (SussexLive).

Now, with Jurgen Klopp’s side looking like they might sleepwalk into a crisis, Caicedo has once again emerged as an option for the Reds.

What has Taylor said about Caicedo to Liverpool?

With Caicedo a sought-after name in this window, journalist Taylor has hinted Liverpool might turn to the Brighton man as a solution to their midfield issues.

Speaking on the player, Taylor claimed: “The other midfielder (Liverpool are looking at) would be Moises Caicedo, who is the perfect fit really.

“I see a lot of similarities between him and Georginio Wijnaldum. Although Caicedo is much younger and fresher. Still a little bit raw, but still a top player.”

What would Caicedo offer Liverpool’s midfield?

Since losing Wijnaldum in June 2021, Liverpool have lacked a midfielder capable of providing energy at both ends of the pitch.

As Taylor alluded to, Caicedo would provide Liverpool with a dimension they haven’t had since Wijnaldum left for Paris Saint-Germain two seasons ago.

According to Fbref, the pair’s underlying numbers match up well, with both Caicedo (87.5%) and Wijnaldum (90%) averaging over 85% passing completion rates per 90 minutes.

While Caicedo has so far been unable to match Wijnaldum’s attacking output, the 21-year-old outshines the Dutch international defensively, averaging a tackle completion rate against dribblers over 70%.

Granted, the pair may differ in some parts of their game, but it’s clear to see why Liverpool are keen on Caicedo, given what he could offer their struggling midfield.

News Now – Sport News