BREAKING: Like Moisés Caicedo, #Chelsea Hijack Romeo Lavia From #Liverpool—Chelsea have agreed a £58million deal with Southampton for 19-year-old midfielder Romeo Lavia.
The Saints star has been the subject of an intense transfer battle between the Blues and Liverpool but will make the move to Stamford Bridge to link-up with Mauricio Pochettino‘s squad.
Lavia looked set to move to Anfield as Jurgen Klopp targeted the former Manchester City academy product in a bid to reinforce his midfield options, before snubbing the Reds.
The deal includes an additional £5million in add-ons with Chelsea’s spending under American owner Todd Boehly now on the brink of breaking the £1billion barrier.
Mail Sport revealed on Monday that the Belgian had accepted a move to Chelsea as Lavia joins Chelsea’s new £115million signing Moises Caicedo in rejecting a proposition from Liverpool.
Lavia joined Southampton last season from Manchester City after impressing during his formative years in the academy at the reigning Premier League champions.
Pep Guardiola rejected the buy-back option inserted into his contract at the south coast club but will recoup 20 per cent of the sell-on fee from the deal with Chelsea.
The amount City receive should average out at around £11.6million once Lavia signs on the dotted line to become Chelsea’s latest summer recruit.
Lavia – a Belgian international – enjoyed a breakthrough year in the English top-flight last season, making 29 Premier League appearances, but was unable to help steer the Saints clear of the drop zone.
His decision to turn down Liverpool means Klopp will now seek alternatives during the remaining days of the transfer window.
The Reds had three bids rejected for the upcomer and failed to negotiate a deal that matched Southampton’s £50m asking price with their best offer of £45m still short.
Lavia indicated Chelsea was his preferred option on Monday once it became clear that the London side were willing to meet Southampton’s valuation for the midfielder.
However, it is likely that Stamford Bridge’s newest recruit will need some time to regain match fitness before being ready to compete back in the Premier League.
Lavia was part of Southampton’s pre-season tour but hasn’t played a single minute for Russell Martin’s side in the Championship this season.
