In the ever-evolving tapestry of modern football, Moises Caicedo has emerged as a veritable jewel in Chelsea’s crown, with former Blues stalwart Frank Leboeuf suggesting his value now eclipses an eye-watering £200 million. The Ecuadorian midfielder, a dynamic force at just 23 years of age, has set the Premier League alight at the dawn of the 2025/26 season, earning accolades from all quarters for his formidable displays.
Since the latter half of Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure at Stamford Bridge, Caicedo has been nothing short of extraordinary, and indications suggest his trajectory is exclusively upward. The young maestro boasts a comprehensive skill set, now adding a penchant for early-season goals to his repertoire evidenced by a stunning strike against Liverpool just 14 minutes in, marking his third for the campaign.
When Chelsea shattered British transfer records to secure Caicedo from Brighton in 2023 for £115 million, scepticism abounded. Yet, the South American’s spectacular development in West London has seen his valuation soar, at least according to the esteemed Frank Leboeuf. “Remember the first season, they paid £100 million, and we were wondering, is he worth it? But now he is worth more than that, double that,” Leboeuf remarked in an ESPN segment.
Caicedo’s influence is reminiscent of the legendary linchpins of previous eras Dennis Wise, Claude Makélélé, and N’Golo Kanté those gladiators of the midfield who gave their all in every match. Referred to as ‘water carriers’, they operated in the shadows, dismantling opposition play a la the tenacious David Batty and the indomitable Roy Keane.