Manchester United are in the hunt to sign Moises Caicedo but may simply not be pushing hard enough.
If Manchester United were run a lot more smartly, Moises Caicedo would have been signed two seasons ago.
The Red Devils backed out as the deal was ‘too messy’, with the involvement of agents, The MEN reported in 2021.
It wasn’t too messy for Brighton, who paid £4.5 million for the midfielder, who is now one of the Premier League’s most wanted players.
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Manchester United chance of signing Moises Caicedo
Right now, Manchester United should have a chance of landing Moises Caicedo, with Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi admitting he can leave, per BBC Sport.
The Telegraph report Manchester United have ‘shown interest’ in Caicedo. However, the path to sign the Ecuador international is not so simple.
This is due to Manchester United’s budget of just £100 million plus player sales, and need to strengthen up front, in goal, and perhaps with another midfielder too.
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Indeed, it seems right now Manchester United’s interest in Caicedo is taking a backseat, amid a chase for Chelsea’s Mason Mount.
The Athletic report Mount is keen to join United, and this appear to be a priority for the Red Devils.
There is a case to sign both, with Caicedo able to replace Casemiro, and even fill-in at right-back, however, Manchester United might not have the money to sign both.
Mount is the priority, even though Caicedo is the more versatile player. Caicedo is also more expensive, which may explain United chasing the Chelsea star instead, leaving more money around for a striker.
But there are other challenges too. The Telegraph report Arsenal are very keen on Caicedo, while Chelsea are also keen too despite their lack of European football. Chelsea could also offer Levi Colwill to Brighton in part-exchange.
It is even claimed that Liverpool may make a move to try and reunite him with their imminent signing of Alexis Mac Allister.
Amid this threat from three Premier League clubs, Manchester United just don’t appear to be pushing hard enough.
Caicedo is a terrific player, only 21, a long term solution for the club’s midfield. Perhaps there is a reluctance on United’s part to accept a mistake, paying big for a player who cost a fraction of the price two years ago – although this never stopped the club before.
At the moment he is up for grabs, and United can offer Champions League football. It just feels like now, that United are not pushing hard enough – and it may soon be too late.