Moises Caicedo makes new claim about why he chose Chelsea over Liverpool last year

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Liverpool’s transfer window of 12 months ago could hardly have been different from the one they’re currently experiencing.

In 2023, Liverpool had already got two, big new signings through the door and would soon add another two.

Along with all of the arrivals, there had also been some important exits. Fabinho and Jordan Henderson joined the plethora of experienced players leaving Anfield.

Amid all of that action, though, Liverpool were also involved in arguably the story of the summer. After they had a huge £100m+ offer accepted for Moises Caicedo, it looked like Jurgen Klopp had found his Fabinho replacement.

But Caicedo dug in and joined Chelsea instead. One year on, and after a struggle of a season for the Ecuadorian, he has now opened up on his decision to reject the Reds.

Moises Caicedo opens up on Liverpool decision

Virtually one year to the crazy day where it looked like Liverpool were going to sign Caicedo, and supporters will perhaps have mixed feelings over it.

On the one hand, the 22-year-old has not really been a success at Chelsea. The Blues were poor for most of last season and Caicedo did not live up to his price-tag.

Given the enormous outlay Chelsea made on him, many will – perhaps justifiably – feel that Liverpool dodged a bullet.

Nevertheless, the Reds are still looking for that elite No.6 which feels like it would complete the Liverpool squad. Despite his Chelsea struggles, there’s still a lingering feeling that Caicedo could have been that man.

READ MORE: Alexis Mac Allister shares how he really feels about former Brighton teammate Moises Caicedo

Given how things could have been different for him had he given the green light to Liverpool last summer, you’d imagine that Caicedo might have some regrets over the way things transpired.

But speaking to The Athletic, Caicedo has stood by his decision to turn down Klopp.

“It was difficult,” he says. “So difficult. As you know, Liverpool is a big team. As is Chelsea. But Chelsea was with me for a couple of months. I could not miss out on them.

“Because they were with me in tough moments when Brighton didn’t want to let me go,” Caicedo adds. “It was a difficult decision but, for sure, 100 percent, I knew I wanted to go to Chelsea.”

Moises Caicedo should regret his decision

Caicedo is likely very happy at Chelsea. As he says, he really pushed to be there and the Blues are still a top club.

However, it’s impossible that he would not have had a moment or two of ‘what if’ in the year since he said no to Liverpool.

Caicedo could have been an absolutely key part of the revolution of the Liverpool squad. He would have been perfect for Klopp’s system and could have excelled with Arne Slot, too.

And for all that Chelsea were the club who stood by him for months while Brighton blocked his transfer, the Blues have just forced one of his midfield partners – Conor Gallagher – out of the club.

There is little argument that Chelsea are a bit of a shambles right now and that can’t be a good environment for any young player to thrive in. Maybe he doesn’t see it quite yet, but we still think Caicedo will live to regret his decision last August.