Romeo Lavia, a top player for Southampton, has officially joined Chelsea in a £58 million transfer.
A few days after bringing in Moises Caicedo, the Blues swooped for the Belgian international to enhance their midfield options this summer.
I’m incredibly thrilled to join Chelsea and be a part of this fantastic project, Lavia said in a statement posted to the club’s website. I can’t wait to start working with such a legendary football team.
I can’t wait to form a rapport with my new teammates and work toward common goals as a unit.
The Blues will give the 19-year-old the same number (45) he wore for Southampton during his lone season there.
The Belgian international posted a heartfelt farewell letter to his supporters on Friday morning, hours before the news was officially announced.
To Saints Fans, he penned. Before I leave, I just wаnted to sаy how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.Even if we fell short of our goals together, I can feel the overwhelming support of this community.
I’ll never forget the support of the club and Saints fans everywhere, and I can only hope that I lived up to your expectations.
“I would like to thank all my teammates and all staff members within the club involved closely or not for embracing me from the moment I stepped foot on the Staplewood Campus and for all the daily work and help behind the scenes making me become a better person, athlete, and football player.
“I hope to see the club back in the Premier League where it belongs very soon, so best of luck this season!” You’re welcome, Saints. Roméo.’
There has been consistent transfer window interest in the former Southampton player, and at one point it appeared like he may be joining Liverpool.
The Reds made many approaches to the Saints in an attempt to get the 19-year-old, but Chelsea ultimately struck a deal with the club.
In his first interview since joining Chelsea, Lavia discussed the “three factors” that ultimately led to his decision to make the switch.
He explained his choice: “I think the project and the ambitions of the club were key factors, but also the history behind it.”
Lavia returned to England for his medical with the west London giants after spending some time in Belgium.
Chelsea’s expenditure under American owner Todd Boehly is on the verge of surpassing the £1 billiоn barrier, as reported by Mail Sport on Wednesday. The transaction includes an additional £5 million in add-ons.
Lavia spent his early years in the academy of the current Premier League winners, Manchester City, before transferring to Southampton last season.
Pep Guardiola will receive 20% of the sell-on money from the deal with Chelsea, despite his rejection of the buy-back option included in his contract with the south coast club.
When Lavia finally signs with Chelsea this summer, City will rake in a cool £11.6 million on average.
Lavia, a Belgian international, made his Premier League debut last season and went on to make 29 appearances, although he was unable to keep the Saints from relegation.
With the transfer window closing soon, Klopp will have to go elsewhere after he rejected Liverpool.
Not wasting any time, the Reds have reportedly already made a £16 million proposal for 30-year-old Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo, as reported by Mail Sport on Wednesday night.
Liverpool’s head of player development, Jorge Schmadtke, is familiar with Endo, the tough captain of Japan, who can also play center defense. For health reasons, he must visit Merseyside.
The 21-year-old Gravenberch is willing to leave in search of more playing time. Bayern have resisted selling so far, but they are stacked with midfielders and need to make money back after spending £100 million for Harry Kane.
In addition to Caicedo and Lavia, Liverpool is also interested in Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat and Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure for their midfield.
