Moises Caicedo text Jurgen Klopp to let him know that he had no intention of signing for Liverpool.
Liverpool had a bid accepted for Caicedo on August 11th. Initially, it had looked as though the Reds had trumped long-term suitors Chelsea to snap the Ecuadorian up.
But it soon became clear that Caicedo only had one club on his mind. And according to The Athletic, the 21-year-old let Klopp know that in a clear text message that same morning.
Jurgen reportedly ‘reached out’ to Caicedo via text early in the morning. With the Liverpool manager said to have launched a ‘charm offensive’ with several messages detailing just how much he’d love him at Anfield.
But the then Brighton player is said to have been unmoved. Caicedo reportedly replied that although he appreciated Liverpool’s interest, he did not want to join them, and only wanted to move to Stamford Bridge.
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Caicedo sends Klopp rejection
A young player, or any player, is absolutely allowed to make a choice like this, that’s fine. We often celebrate when the likes of Cody Gakpo or Darwin Nunez turn down the Manchester United et al in favour of Liverpool.
But when the shoe is on the other foot, it doesn’t feel so good.
Nevertheless, you do have to question the player a little on this one. Few players have turned down the opportunity to work with Klopp. Once he gets on the phone, it’s usually a done deal.
And why would Caicedo be an exception? The Athletic insist that it wasn’t about money, according to Chelsea at least. They reportedly claim that the Ecuador international would have potentially earned even more at Anfield. But what other reason is there right now?
At Liverpool, Caicedo would have walked in as an undisputed starter, the figurehead of a big midfield rebuild alongside his old mate Alexis Mac Allister.
He’d also have European football on offer, and a better, more immediate shot at winning titles than in West London.
Chelsea on the other hand are a basket case right now. They may have the steady hand of Mauricio Pochettino steering the ship, but the strategy and the plan seem a complete mess. Anyway, not one we’ll be losing sleep over, but frustrating all the same.