Enzo Fernandez has revealed the personal intervention that helped Chelsea clinch the British record signing of Moises Caicedo, seeing off fierce competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool.
The Persuasive Phone Call That Sealed The Deal
Speaking to GiveMeSport, the Argentine midfielder disclosed that he personally called Caicedo to urge him to choose Stamford Bridge after learning of Chelsea's interest in the summer of 2023. The Ecuadorian international eventually moved from Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2023 for an initial fee of £100 million, a sum that could rise to £115 million with add-ons. This shattered the British transfer record at the time, representing a significant gamble on a player with just one full top-flight season.
"When I was told that the club was interested in Moises and he was about to join, the first thing I did was phone him to insist on him coming," Fernandez confessed. "I told him how much the club wanted him. Thankfully, the deal went through and he's with us now at Chelsea."
Caicedo's Chelsea Evolution and Recent Setback
Now 24, Caicedo has developed into a pivotal figure in Chelsea's midfield. His combative and energetic style has been complemented by a newfound goal threat this season, with four goals already to his name—more than his previous two Chelsea campaigns combined.
However, his all-action approach crossed a line during Sunday's draw with Arsenal, where he was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Mikel Merino. This dismissal means Chelsea will be without their midfield enforcer for the next three matches.
Blues manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the red card was deserved but expressed frustration at inconsistent officiating, citing a similar challenge by Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur on Reece James that went unpunished earlier this season.
A Flourishing Partnership and Future Ambitions
The bond between Fernandez and Caicedo extends beyond the pitch. "We're good friends and we share so many moments on and off the pitch," Fernandez said. "He's a great person and professional, who always gives his best for the squad."
He elaborated on their tactical synergy: "I think it works well because we perform different roles. Moises does more defensive work for the team, while I'm more attacking. We always try to help each other so that we can compete at the highest level to take Chelsea to the top."
Reflecting on his decision to join Chelsea over Arsenal in an interview with the Daily Mail, Caicedo stated: "I almost did it but now I'm here and I'm so happy. The timing was good. I waited until Chelsea came for me." He dismissed early critics, adding: "People laughed. They said I chose the wrong place, but sometimes you need time to adapt to a big team."
His commitment to the club's project is clear. "I want to give everything to this club because they didn't doubt me. I chose Chelsea because they have ambitions. I want to win trophies – more trophies with this club," Caicedo affirmed.
Manager Enzo Maresca has placed immense faith in the midfielder, recently comparing him to Manchester City's Rodri and labelling the pair as the two best defensive midfielders in the world. "Moi, I think he's showing how good he is. He's top," Maresca said, also praising Caicedo's humble character.
As Chelsea navigate his suspension, the revelation of Fernandez's behind-the-scenes role underscores the collective effort that went into securing one of the Premier League's most transformative signings in recent years.
