MOISES CAICEDO has been bombarded by different voices with different agendas over the past fortnight – now there is just one he should listen to.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has been clear from the start that now was not the time, the opportunities in the summer will be bigger and better.
Caicedo is now back in training on the South Coast having been denied a late move to Arsenal or Chelsea, despite his public plea to be allowed to go.
Owner Tony Bloom stood firm and De Zerbi told the 21-year-old that he could still achieve something special at Brighton over the next four months.
It is a spell which could open up even more horizons for the midfielder.
The Seagulls are already expecting bids to come in the summer, and not only from Arsenal.
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While the Gunners are still keen on adding both Caicedo and Declan Rice to their midfield this summer, Liverpool, Chelsea and a number of big European clubs are circling.
Brighton have the chance to achieve European football for the first time in their history this summer.
Should Caicedo help them, then the next window could bring the ideal situation for everyone.
The Ecuador international would have the pick of the best clubs in Europe and the Seagulls would be able to command a huge fee, as they often do.
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For now, the midfielder’s reputation among Brighton fans hangs in the balance.
Many supporters, like the club, feel that their star man has been woefully advised by new agents looking to make a splash.
Caicedo’s social media post, drafted by his representatives and still present on his Instagram account, went down equally as bad at Arsenal as it did at the Amex.
But now the talking should be done on the pitch by Caicedo and Caicedo alone.
Having been told to stay away from training for the final days of the window, the hope is that he will have got his head right and be ready to feature against Bournemouth on Saturday.
De Zerbi will be the one to make that call, but their FA Cup win over Liverpool while the midfielder was banished from the squad shows that the Italian is acting from a position of strength – especially considering he also sanctioned the sale of Leandro Trossard due to his poor behaviour last month.
But the former Sassuolo manager will be in no doubt that if he is to help Brighton realise their dream of a top six finish or some silverware this season then he will, at some point, need Caicedo again.
It is no use coming back in a sulk.
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Even if the South American does not want to be there, the task now is to prove that he is worthy of a bidding war come the end of the season.
No more behind the scenes antics from agents or poorly timed public outbursts, Caicedo has four months to restore and enhance his reputation before either leading the Seagulls into Europe or heading for bigger and better things himself.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
