English Premier League top side Chelsea have completed the signing of Belgium and Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia. The palywr was first sighted by Liverpool but Chelsea came from behind to snatch the player Liverpool. The now former Southampton star player was sighed for a fee of initial £53m.
The 19-year-old has signed a seven-year contract in a deal which could rise by a further £5m with add-ons. Lavia made 34 appearances in all competitions last season but could not help prevent the Saints’ from relegating from the English Premier League.
Speaking about his new deal with Chelsea he said: “I’m really happy join Chelsea and be a part of this exciting project.” Lavia also said: “It’s an amazing football club with a great history and I’m really excited to get started.” “I can’t wait to meet all my new team-mates and build a chemistry to achieve great things together.”
Liverpool were also keen on Lavia, but the Reds had a third bid – believed to have been for around £46m including add-ons – rejected by Southampton earlier this month.
Lavia becomes the second player this week to have opted for Chelsea over Jurgen Klopp’s side, after Moises Caicedo, who joined the Blues from Brighton for a £100m fee which could rise to a British record £115m.