Romeo Lavia reveals his THREE reasons for choosing Chelsea and turning down Liverpool as his £58m transfer is announced… and the former Southampton star says ‘history’ is one of them!
Chelsea’s new signing Romeo Lavia has revealed the three reasons that made him want to join the west London giants.
The Blues have been keen to bolster their midfield opportunities this summer and completed the £58million signing of Lavia on Friday morning – just days after Moises Caicedo’s signing.
The Belgium international has signed a seven-year deal with the west London giants after completing his medical on Thursday, Mail Sport have announced.
Interest in the former Southampton star has continued throughout the transfer window and it seemed like he might be heading to Liverpool.
The Reds were hot on the heels of the 19-year-old and made several offers to the Saints, but Chelsea stepped in and reached an agreement with the club.
Chelsea have confirmed the £58million signing of Southampton star Romeo Lavia
Mauricio Pochettino’s side secured the Belgium international despite Liverpool’s interest
And in his first interview Following his move to Chelsea, Lavia revealed the ‘three factors’ that convinced him to join the Blues.
“I think the project and the club’s ambitions were key factors, but also the story behind it. These three factors determined my decision,” he said.
After sealing his move, Lavia also spoke to the club’s website, saying: “I’m really excited to join Chelsea and be a part of this exciting project.” It’s a great football club with a great history and I’m really looking forward to it the start.
“I can’t wait to meet all my new teammates and build chemistry together to achieve great things together.”
The 19-year-old will wear the number 45 shirt for the Blues, the same number he wore during his year-long game at Southampton.
The Belgium international also wrote an emotional message to his supporters on Friday morning ahead of the official announcement to say goodbye to the club.
He wrote: “To the Saints fans. As I say goodbye, I would like to say a big thank you for everything you have given me during my time here. “I immediately felt the love from you all, even though we didn’t achieve our common goals.”
The Belgium star will wear the number 45 for Chelsea – just like he did at Southampton
Lavia confirmed his imminent departure just hours before the club’s official announcement
“I will never forget the faith that the club and Saints around the world have shown in me and I hope I have been able to repay the trust that you have placed in me.”
“I would like to give a special thank you to all my teammates and all the staff at the club, who may or may not be closely involved, for hugging me since the day I walked the Staplewood campus and for all the daily work and behind the scenes help that made me special. a better person, athlete and soccer player.
“Good luck this season and I look forward to seeing the club return to the Premier League where they belong soon!” Thank you Saints. Romeo.’
As Mail Sport announced on Wednesday, the deal includes an additional £5million in surcharges – with Chelsea’s spending under American owner Todd Boehly now on the verge of breaching the £1billion mark.
The 19-year-old made 34 appearances in all competitions for the Saints in 2022–23
Lavia joined Southampton from Manchester City last season after impressing during his formative years in the reigning Premier League champions’ academy.
Pep Guardiola turned down the buyback option included in his contract with the south coast club but will get back 20 per cent of the resale fee from the deal with Chelsea.
Lavia – a Belgium international – enjoyed a breakthrough in the English top flight last season with 29 Premier League appearances but couldn’t help pull the Saints out of the drop zone.
His decision to reject Liverpool means Klopp will now be looking for alternatives in the remaining days of the transfer window.
Liverpool have turned to other targets after missing out on the former Southampton star
And the Reds wasted no time in doing so, Mail Sport revealed on Wednesday night when they made a surprise £16million offer for Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo, 30.
Endo, the fierce Japanese captain, is well known to Liverpool’s sporting director Jorge Schmadtke and can also play as a centre-back. He has to undergo a medical on Merseyside.
Gravenberch, 21, is open to a departure as he wants to play more regularly. Bayern have resisted a sale so far but they are overloaded with midfielders and are under pressure to get money back after Harry Kane’s £100m signing.
Liverpool have also asked about Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat and Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure as they consider midfield goals after failing to sign Caicedo and Lavia.