Chelsea midfielder Caicedo agrees new contract

The Ecuador international opted to join Chelsea after a bidding war with Liverpool in 2023 [Getty Images]

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has agreed a lucrative new contract to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.

The Ecuador international, 24, had been pushing for improved terms after helping the club win the Conference League and the Club World Cup last season

His previous eight-year contract was signed after his move from Brighton in 2023 in a then British-record £100m deal, rising to £115m, which has since been surpassed by Liverpool's £125m signing of striker Alexander Isak.

It is understood the new deal runs to 2033.

The deal is the second in a series of renewals designed to reward Chelsea's top performers, with captain Reece James the first to sign and the club negotiating at least one further agreement before the end of the season.

Chelsea had also agreed a similar pay-rise for positive performances to Cole Palmer early last season, showing a willingness to reward star performers, albeit in an incentive-based structure which is adjusted for hitting certain targets like Champions League qualification.

When asked during the international break whether he would ever be interested in a move to Real Madrid, Caicedo said: "I'm focused on my club right now. I want to be a legend."

Chelsea regard Caicedo as one of the best midfielders in the world and he is among the club's captains.

Caicedo was the only player to start every Premier League match last season under former boss Enzo Maresca, while this campaign he has been ever present, playing 42 times and scoring five goals from defensive midfield.

Meanwhile, midfielder Enzo Fernandez and defender Levi Colwill are among those known to have discussed potential new contracts in the past six months.

However, Fernandez is returning from a two-game internal ban following comments made during international duty about wanting to live in Spain's capital, amid continuing links with Real Madrid.

After the ban was announced by head coach Liam Rosenior, Fernandez's agent Javier Pastore said "[He] deserves much more than he is currently earning," in a lengthy interview with the Athletic.

Chelsea next face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, with the club sixth in the Premier League and chasing Champions League qualification via at least a fifth-place finish.