Chelsea receive shock Moises Caicedo transfer message

13 Oct 2026 16:07 BST 2 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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Manchester United legend Antonio Valencia has told his former club to pursue a deal for Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo next year.

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The Ecuador international was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during his time at Independiente del Valle, and it’s understood the Red Devils were the frontrunners to secure his signature before ending their pursuit due to a complicated transfer process.

This allowed Brighton & Hove Albion to swoop, and Caicedo soon established himself as one of the most promising central midfielders in world football following his arrival at the AMEX Stadium.

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Caicedo is now a vital part of the Chelsea squad, having joined the club for a whopping €116 million, and he made his first start of the 2026-27 season during their 5-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.

The 24-year-old’s current contract at Chelsea isn’t due to expire until 2033 and he was named as one of the club’s ‘untouchables’ over the summer, alongside the likes of Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Josh Acheampong.

However, Valencia believes Man Utd should attempt to sign his compatriot next year.

During an interview with Spanish outlet AS ahead of Man Utd’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night, Valencia said: “This year the team has struggled a bit. I think they still need two or three more signings for United to be able to do better.”

When pressed on who his former club should pursue, the 41-year-old admitted: “I'd sign another midfielder. I'd bring in a player like Moises Caicedo, keeping it local (laughs). And then I'd bring in a centre-back and a right or left full-back.”

© IMAGO - Moises Caicedo in action for Ecuador

Moises Caicedo to Man Utd?

While Valencia wants Man Utd to bring Caicedo to Old Trafford in 2027, Chelsea have no interest in sanctioning a sale, especially to a direct rival, and a deal will almost certainly not take place.

The Ecuador captain still has over six-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract with Xabi Alonso’s side and he is expected to remain at Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable future, despite the club’s recent churn of players.

As a result, Man Utd will be required to pursue an alternative target, although they are unlikely to sign another new central midfielder next year after finalising deals for Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans over the summer.