Moises Caicedo reportedly told fans at Brighton’s 2022/23 awards evening that he wants to leave the club this summer.
The Ecuadorian midfielder – who has been linked with Chelsea and Arsenal – was named the Seagulls’ Players’ Player and Fans’ Player of the Season for his impressive showings last term.
When accepting his award, the 21-year-old said: “Thank you to everyone for everything and all the fans for your support in every game. I’m so happy.
“Thank you, fans. Without your support, it wouldn’t be possible. I do this for my family; they are my inspiration.”
However, Caicedo ‘admitted to guests’ he ‘wants to leave’ Brighton in the summer transfer window, according to Sussex World journalist Charlie Haffenden.
The young midfielder did not say this on stage but in a ‘smaller conversation at the start of the night’.
‘Two separate guests’ claimed to Haffenden they had ‘very similar conversations’.
Caicedo ‘didn’t hold anything back’ but ‘refused’ to namedrop Chelsea, who have had a number of summer bids rejected by Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Essentially, Caicedo told fans – who voted for him as Brighton’s best player of 22/23 – that he did not want to be there. Right. Gotcha.
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The report adds that Brighton are ‘standing firm with their £100million valuation’ of the player with ‘talks ongoing’ despite the Blues ‘reluctance’ to pay that fee.
This is not the first time Caicedo has openly admitted he wants to leave the south coast club.
After Arsenal had a bid rejected in January, the 21-year-old took to Instagram to ask Brighton owner Tony Bloom to sell him.
And last month, he said it would be difficult to reject a move to Chelsea.
Speaking to TC Deportes, Caicedo said: “It’s a big team, that’s true. A very historic team which I can’t say no [to joining] because it’s a very big, historic, beautiful team.
“The city as well is beautiful. It’s got everything beautiful.”
Brighton had hoped Chelsea would include Levi Colwill in a deal for Caicedo but there is now zero chance that happens.
According to reports, Colwill has agreed a new six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, ending any speculation about his future. Liverpool had also expressed an interest in the England Under-21 defender.
He spent last season on loan at the Amex and confirmed on Wednesday evening that he will not be returning.
“To Brighton and Hove Albion. I am proud to have played a small part in the clubs success last season,” Colwill wrote on Instagram.
“You gave me an opportunity to play in the Premier League when no one else did. I thank Graham Potter for first bringing me to the club and to all the employees at the stadium and training ground for making it a great place to perform and develop.
“To the fans, you’ve always had my back! Since I got into the side, your continuous support made me feel comfortable to play the way I wanted to play and not fear about making mistakes. You gave me a platform to shine and show my ability in the best league of the world. I will never forget that you supported me.
“Lastly Roberto De Zerbi, you challenged me every day! You made me think and see football in a different way. I cannot thank you enough.
“Thank you again. LC”
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