Moises Caicedo signs new Brighton contract to end transfer speculation

The Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo has signed a new contract with the Premier League club until 2027, having asked to leave in the January transfer window.

The Seagulls also have an option for an extra year on Caicedo, who attracted two bids from Arsenal in January and was also a reported target for Chelsea. That led the Ecuador international to request a move in a statement posted on social media, but the club held firm and Caicedo stayed put.

“This is fantastic news for the club, our fans, for me and most importantly for Moises,” said the Brighton manager, Roberto De Zerbi. “It will make us stronger as we move forward towards our targets on the pitch.”

Caicedo joined Brighton from the Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle in February 2021, spending the first part of the following season on loan with Beerschot in Belgium. The 21-year-old has made a big impact at the Amex Stadium since making his Premier League debut last April.

Brighton can boost their hopes of European qualification with a home win over West Ham on Saturday, but De Zerbi will be absent from the dugout after receiving a one-match touchline ban. The Italian was shown a red card in the tunnel by the referee, Darren England, following the 1-0 home defeat to Fulham in February.

De Zerbi, who has also been fined £15,000 by the Football Association, said of England afterwards: “I think he’s not a good level of referee. But I think the referees in the Premier League are not enough for this very important league.”

Andrea Maldera, the Brighton assistant manager, will take over touchline duties this weekend as the Seagulls try to claim a first win in three league games. Pervis Estupiñán and Solly March, who both missed the midweek FA Cup win over Stoke, are