Chelsea sign midfielder Romeo Lavia from Southampton to continue to strengthen their midfield. The Blues will pay £53 million plus £5 million in add-ons for Lavia.
The Belgian international will sign a seven-year contract with Chelsea and will wear the No. 45 jersey in the 2023-24 season.
Before joining Manchester City at 16, Lavia spent eight years at boyhood club Anderlecht. Moreover, he only made one senior appearance for the Treble winners before he was sold to Southampton.
Lavia explains why he chose Chelsea over Liverpool
When Liverpool entered a bidding war with Chelsea for Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia felt he was a backup option for the Reds, so then, he decided to choose Chelsea over them.
Moreover, Caicedo also chose Chelsea over Liverpool and has already made his big £115 million switch from Brighton.
After completing his move to the Blues Lavia said: “I’m really happy to join Chelsea and be a part of this exciting project. It’s an amazing football club with a great history, and I’m excited to get started.”
“I can’t wait to meet all my new teammates and build chemistry together to achieve great things together. I think the project and ambitions of the club were key factors, but also the history behind it.”
Chelsea sign Romeo Lavia to strengthen their midfield
Even though Southampton got relegated last season, Lavia was a bright spark in midfield, which caught the attention of Chelsea and Liverpool.
Moreover, the personal terms agreed at Stamford Bridge are also reported to be better than what was offered from Liverpool.
The 19-year-old made 29 appearances with the Saints last season. However, he couldn’t help them to stay in the top flight. Lavia will hope to make his Chelsea debut against West Ham on Sunday in the Premier League.
