Ecuador international Moises Caicedo has signed a new long-term contract at Brighton and Hove Albion that runs until 2027 with an option to extend for another year.
The 21-year-old was the subject of a January transfer battle between league leaders Arsenal and his current club Brighton.
Caicedo publicly demanded his Brighton bosses to let him join Arsenal for what would be the club’s record transfer fee, but the Seagulls twice declined Arsenal’s bids and stood their ground to keep their star midfielder.
Caicedo, who made his full Premier League debut in April last year has been integral to Brighton’s success this season and manager Roberto De Zerbi who has always talked about the midfielder’s importance at the club welcomed the news of his contract extension by saying it will make them stronger.
“This is fantastic news for the club, our fans, for me and most importantly for Moises. It will make us stronger as we move forward towards our targets on the pitch,” De Zerbi said, as posted on Brighton’s official website.
Caicedo joined Brighton in February 2021 from Independiente del Valle in Ecuador, but was sent out on loan to Beerschot in Belgium. He has played 29 Premier League matches for The Seagulls and they have won 15 of them, losing only seven.
He is set to feature in the 30th match when Brighton host struggling West Ham United at the Amex Stadium today. Brighton have three games in hand and find themselves sitting firmly in the 8th on the Premier League table and could go 5th if they win all of them.
They welcome back Pervis Estupian and Solly March who missed the FA Cup tie against Stoke City in midweek, while Danny Welbeck and Billy Gilmour passed their fitness tests so are available for selection. Levi Colwill and Yasin Ayari will not feature today as they are battling an illness.
