Danny Murphy has delivered a scathing verdict on a Chelsea rumour he’s heard this week.
In general, there’s a feel-good factor around Chelsea right now because of four wins on the bounce across all competitions. It’s set them up well to try to finish the season strongly and in style.
Enzo Maresca’s side are in the thick of a top-five race to qualify for the Champions League, sitting fifth in the Premier League table going into their final three league matches.
In addition, the Blues are two matches away from a European trophy as they prepare to face Djurgarden on Thursday night in the second leg of a Conference League semi-final, which they lead 4-1 on aggregate.
However, Danny Murphy has reacted negatively to a Chelsea-related rumour he’s heard in the media.
Danny Murphy claims Moises Caicedo doesn’t deserve another Chelsea contract
Danny Murphy, the former Premier League star, doesn’t like the rumour that Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, 23, could be in line for a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
The Telegraph reported on Monday that Chelsea are expected to discuss rewarding Caicedo with a new deal this summer once the season finishes. Apparently, they plan to reward the Ecuador international for his brilliant performances because they recognise him as one of the world’s best midfielders.
When asked about the speculation that Caicedo may get a new deal, Murphy told talkSPORT: “I mean, he’s been really good. He’s played really well, arguably been their best midfielder, and looks like the player that Liverpool were chasing as well. There’s a reason lots of clubs wanted him. But I don’t see the point [in a new contract]. Why would you upgrade him? Not yet. You’d need a bit more.
“Palmer I understand because he’s the best player they’ve got, and he’s a superstar. He’s a game-changer. There’s no team he wouldn’t get into. Caicedo, good, really good player. He needs to show a bit more and do it again. He’s had a good season. When I say good, I wouldn’t say exceptional, but been good.
“I can’t think of a good reason if I was in the Chelsea hierarchy why I would be giving him more money and a longer contract than the one he’s on.”
Even though Caicedo is still under contract at Chelsea until 2031, he may agree new terms In fairness, it would follow the trend of both Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson signing new contracts last year despite being tied down to long-term deals.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca discussed the Moises Caicedo contract rumours in midweek by insisting it’s the wrong time to talk about it during the crunch time of the season. He hinted it would be on the agenda for the summer, though.
We do feel like Murphy’s suggestion that Caicedo hasn’t been exceptional this campaign is wide of the mark.
The midfield powerhouse won both the Player of the Season & Players’ Player of the Season at Chelsea’s end-of-season awards night last Sunday. He’s been a juggernaut in the centre of the park for the Blues this term.
| Appearances | Starts | Pass accuracy | Tackles won % | Duels won % | Aerial duels won | Interceptions | Average match rating |
| 35 | 35 | 90.2% | 62.1% | 58.7% | 65.4% | 49 | 7.40 |
What Enzo Maresca said about pre-season
There was perhaps a major clue last summer that Caicedo was set for a pivotal role in Maresca’s new-look Chelsea.
Speaking in August 2024, Blues manager Enzo Maresca spoke highly of Moises Caicedo during the club’s pre-season tour. He said: “I love Moi. I have known him for many years. I know the way he plays.”
During Maresca’s debut season at Chelsea so far, Caicedo is the only player in the squad to start every single Premier League match. Anybody who’s watched the Blues regularly this year will know just how important he is to the team.
It’s certainly unique what Chelsea are doing when it comes to the long-term contracts, but we understand why a pivotal figure like Caicedo is someone you want to keep happy and appreciated.
