During the previous transfer window, the Ecuadorian international departed Brighton for Chelsea in a British record deal worth an astounding €134 million, following a protracted transfer saga. After the Reds seemingly usurped the deal to sign Caicedo, the Blues infamously prevailed over Liverpool to secure his signature. The midfielder rejected Jurgen Klopp and company because he was determined to make the transfer to Stamford Bridge.

Nevertheless, it appears that these two Premier League powerhouses were not the only ones interested in signing the Brighton star at the time. Barcelona, according to the player’s agent Manuel Sierra, were also intent on acquiring him and were curious as to whether or not a transaction could be completed notwithstanding their enormous financial difficulties.

Unsurprisingly, however, a transfer was not possible for the financially stressed Catalans, and Caicedo remained in the Premier League with Chelsea, despite the fact that he has struggled to regain his former level of performance.

Sierra, what did you sаy?

Caicedo’s agent was queried by AS regarding any interest expressed by Spain regarding his services; Sierra responded affirmatively to this inquiry. “Yes,” Barca inquired. Barca inquired, but they were unable to access the subject matter. “The situation was evident.”

“Ultimately, the matter became complex due to the [Financial] Fair Play concern and other related factors. However, they did inquire, and that was the end of the matter. In the absence of an official offer, merely preliminary discussions took place. The ordinary occurrence in the markets.”

It appears that Barcelona considered Caicedo a possible long-term successor to Sergio Busquets, who left in the summer to join Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. The Blaugrana signed former Blues midfielder Oriol Romeu from local rivals Girona in place of Caicedo; however, the Spaniard has been lackluster thus far.