In the weeks leading up to Moises Caicedo’s transfer, Chelsea made multiple offers for the Ecaudorian midfielder and all offers were rejected by Brighton.

When Liverpool stepped into the fray and agreed an £111m deal – a British record transfer fee – for the 21-year-old, who joined Brighton for £4m in 2021, we all thought a move had been sealed, surely?

However, Caicedo remained resolute in his preference for Chelsea. The Blues would raise their offer – completing the signing on Monday for a fee of £100m – one that could rise to £115m.

“I didn’t have to think twice when Chelsea called me, I just knew I wanted to sign for the club,” Caicedo said.

What inspired the move? Why Chelsea over Liverpool? Pochettino over Klopp?

We take a look at three reasons why:

1. He’s a big fan: Caicedo has always been drawn to Chelsea. He got himself an N’Golo Kante shirt for his 18th birthday – lays credence to that attachment.

Kante and Claudio Makelele – both defensive midfielders who played for Chelsea – inspired the young Ecuadorian.

“They [Kante and Makelele] were so humble on the pitch. I think I can say we share similar qualities, but they were better. But now I am going to give everything for this club because they did so much for me,” said Caicedo in his first official interview since the transfer.

He supported the club as a boy. Now fully grown, he dons their colours and will take on an integral role.

2. Style of play/Importance: Chelsea had been looking to add a quality defensive midfielder this summer. Mauricio Pochettino has bought in several new faces but has now spent big to bring in a player who will compliment the likes of Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the pitch.

Quite a lot can be put forward in describing Caicedo’s talent and how good a fit for the Blues he is. But the club’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley have summed it up with sporting brevity: “Moises possesses a rare midfield skill set and is a player we’ve been targeting for some time. We believe he will make a significant impact at Stamford Bridge this season – and in the years ahead.”

3. The lights of London: Chelsea are a London club and some players see that as a big pull. The city has got its unique lifestyle – which ticks as a huge attraction.

London’s vibrant energy, diverse culture, and unparalleled opportunities have crafted a magnetic pull that transcends the boundaries of the football pitch.

Yes, it’s a subjective matter, colored by personal preferences and affiliations, about which city holds greater allure, but add other factors listed and it tips the scale on the whole.