Brighton deliver rivals “major blow” as they close in on World Cup star
Brighton and Hove Albion are set to deliver a major blow to several Premier League rivals as they move closer to a deal for Ajax star Mohammed Kudus.
The Athletic have reported the Seagulls have reached an ‘agreement in principle’ with the Dutch giants and are set to win the race to land the Ghana international. A fee of around £34.5million has been suggested as Brighton look to add further attacking talent to their ranks after they signed Watford’s highly-rated Brazilian forward Joao Pedro earlier this summer.
Kudus had significant interest from clubs around Europe and has been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona in recent years after he scored 23 goals and provided 11 assists in 84 appearances for Ajax.
However, it now seems increasingly likely his next appearance will come in the colours of Brighton as they look to further boost their squad ahead of their first ever season competing in European competition.
Kudus is a versatile player that can fit in almost anywhere in midfield and the forward line, with the Ghana international even operating as a deep-lying No 6 on occasion.
He is most commonly found lining up on the right-wing for Ajax though, where his pace and skill see him taking on full-backs and delivering into the box.
Verdict: “Kudus has been linked with a move to several of the Premier League’s biggest clubs and a number of big hitters around Europe after coming to the fore at Ajax. If they can complete a deal, this would be a real coup for Brighton ahead of what will be a historic season for the Seagulls.”
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Brighton chief addresses Moises Caicedo transfer confusion as Chelsea consider £100m alternative
Moises Caicedo faces an increasingly uncertain future at Brighton as Chelsea look to finally secure his signature before the end of August
Brighton CEO Paul Barber has confirmed that Moises Caicedo missed the Seagulls’ pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano due to a hamstring strain. The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer as Chelsea look to further bolster their midfield options.
football.london understands that the Blues have already had three bids for Caicedo rejected, but they remain confident they can secure his signature. It’s believed that Brighton are determined to keep the Ecuador international unless their £100million valuation is met.
While the west Londoners continue to negotiate a fee with Brighton, football.london understands that Caicedo has verbally agreed personal terms over a potential transfer – but nothing has been signed yet. As talks prolong with the new Premier League season just around the corner, Chelsea have begun to broaden their search for an alternative defensive midfielder.
Interestingly, no more than a day or so after the Blues identified Tyler Adams as a potential target, Roberto De Zerbi reignited speculation that Caicedo could leave Brighton after all. The Ecuadorian was strangely omitted from the Brighton side to play their final pre-season game.
It was later revealed that he may have picked up a knock, which has now been confirmed by the Seagulls chief. As quoted by Ben Jacobs, Barber said: “Moises had a slight hamstring injury late in training and was pulled out for that reason.
“With a Premier League season just a week away it makes no sense to risk him today. We’re looking forward to Moises starting the season with us, he’s a Brighton player under a long-term contract. He’s probably one of the most exciting young midfield players in the world at the moment and we’re delighted to have him.”
Speaking on talkSPORT earlier this summer, Tony Cascarino claimed claimed that the Brighton ace would be ‘one of the signings of the summer’ if the Blues signed him.
“Caicedo fits the bill. He allows Enzo Fernandez to play higher up the pitch, which I think is best suited,” said the 60-year-old. “It’s the [Claude] Makelele role, it’s the [N’Golo] Kante role that he can do.
“He’s such a great athlete. He gets around the pitch, robs the ball off the opposition all the time, and he sets the play up. I think it will be one of the best signings of the summer if they can get that one over the line.”
