A huge swap deal between Brighton and Chelsea, including Levi Colwill and Moises Caicedo, may be on the cards this summer.
As quoted by TalkSport, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has discussed the possibility of a swap deal involving Moises Caicedo and Levi Colwill. When asked about the prospect of a player exchange with Chelsea, the Italian coach said, “here are two questions. Not only about Caicedo, also about Colwill, and maybe it can be [a swap]…but at the moment I can only speak about Caicedo as Colwill is not one of my players.”
Caicedo has been a top target for Chelsea this summer, but an agreement between the two clubs has not yet been reached. Meanwhile, the Seagulls would love to bring Colwill back to the club, after the young centre-back flourished whilst on loan at the Amex Stadium last summer. However, new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino insists that Colwill is part of his plans. Brighton are also exploring alternative targets.
Will this swap deal happen?
Swap deals are relatively rare in English football, and this would be a massive one. The recent major injury to Wesley Fofana will also make Chelsea even more reluctant to part with Colwill. Therefore, it is hard to imagine an exchange deal getting done. More likely, this kind of talk is all part of the negotiation game of cat and mouse taking place around the Caicedo switch.
Whilst Brighton have secured Europa League football, and the Blues endured a dreadful season by their standards last time out, the London club still have the financial might to land their man. Especially as the Ecuadorian midfielder is so keen to get his move.
De Zerbi is obviously keen to maintain the strength of his squad, and preserve the club’s reputation as smart transfer market operators. However, this isn’t a deal that’s likely to get done.