Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia has decided to choose a move to Chelsea over their Premier League rivals Liverpool this summer.
The 19-year-old sensation starred for a struggling Saints side last season which were eventually relegated and according to the Athletic’s David Ornstein, Liverpool have been made aware of the decision after having a $76.2m bid for the Belgian accepted yesterday.
🚨 Romeo Lavia has chosen to join Chelsea from Southampton. Liverpool were pursuing but are aware of decision. #CFC & #SaintsFC have good relations, so no issues expected on deal or personal terms. Fee likely to be around £50m + add-ons @TheAthleticFC #LFC https://t.co/EjmFknCViS
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 14, 2023
Romeo Lavia chooses Chelsea over Liverpool
Lavia follows in the recent footsteps of Ecuadorean defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo in selecting Stamford Bridge over Anfield after the 21-year-old completed his $145m transfer yesterday.
Chelsea and Southampton have a good relationship and personal terms are not thought to be a problem either for Lavia. The news is yet another hammer blow to Jurgen Klopp whose public hunt for a number six to play alongside attack-minded midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister is set to enter the eleventh hour.
Lavia was left out of Southampton’s first two Championship matches of the season and will move to Stamford Bridge for a reported $63.5m plus $12.7m in add-ons in the coming days.
