Moises Caicedo: midfielder ready for new contract terms at Chelsea that reflect ‘world class’ status | Football news

Moises Caicedo will be rewarded for his exceptional performances for Chelsea as the terms of his contract could be adjusted to reflect his status as a world-class midfielder.

Chelsea have him under contract until 2033, but he may get a pay rise based on his performance over the past 12 months. Any changes to the terms will be done privately.

Chelsea has a heavily incentivized wage structure, meaning the players are paid relatively low wages compared to other top clubs, but when they play well they are rewarded.

Caicedo became the most expensive player in Premier League history when he moved to Chelsea for £115 million in the summer of 2023 – a record that has since been broken twice. It took the Ecuadorian time to justify that price tag, but his performances over the past 12 months have been exceptional as Chelsea claimed major honors in the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup.

After his performance in the recent 1-0 win at Tottenham, boss Enzo Maresca said: “For me, him and Rodri, they are the two best defensive midfielders in the world at the moment.”

Even then the Spurs win, Air sports pundit Jamie Redknapp compared Caicedo to Claude Makelele and N’Golo Kante, both title winners with the Blues.

“He is world class,” said Redknapp. “I would go so far as to say at the moment that he is the best of his kind in world football. Simply phenomenal, the way he covers ground, his desire, his quality on the ball, putting out fire for his team, chasing lost causes, the power on the ball and always making the right pass.”

Quiet January expected at Chelsea

With no major signings expected at Chelsea in January, Chelsea will not sign a goalkeeper, centre-back or defensive midfielder, despite some fans running for cover for Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo, who are both injured.

Focus at Chelsea is preparing major purchases for the summer 2026 and summer 2027 transfer periods.

Axel Disasi is likely to return to training with Chelsea’s first team, although he is likely to leave in January.

Disasi was frozen out and trained with Raheem Sterling until he captained the Under-21s on Saturday. That will likely lead to Disasi being reintegrated into the first-team squad. He moved to Chelsea in 2023 for £38 million.

In the meantime, Tyrique George another player who could leave in January. A move to Fulham fell through on deadline day and although Chelsea have been happy with him this season, he wants to play regularly and is in high demand.

That is a player for next summer Emanuel Emegha.

The Strasbourg attacker has signed a pre-agreement to join Chelsea in the summer of 2026.

The 22-year-old striker from Strasbourg chose Chelsea over other major European and Premier League clubs. He wanted to stay in Strasbourg for a third year and play in Europe and continue his development before joining Chelsea.

Chelsea expect him to be ready to play in the Premier League next season. He scored 26 goals in 57 league games during his time at Strasbourg.