Romeo Lavia‘s transfer from Southampton to Chelsea has been finalised.
The midfielder informed his club on Monday that he preferred a transfer to Stamford Bridge over a move to Liverpool, who had an identical £58 million proposal approved. On Tuesday night, a deal was completed for the player to join the west London club.
Lavia had a physical yesterday before joining the team as the eighth first-team acquisition of the summer, and he is now a candidate to make his debut against West Ham on Sunday.
Along with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, the 19-year-old is poised to play a crucial role in a modern engine room, and he is eager to get started.
Lavia expressed his excitement about his new teammates and their potential to help him achieve great things when his move was complete.
“I’m thrilled to work with Chelsea and take part in this intriguing initiative. I’m very eager to start since it’s a fantastic football team with a rich history.
Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, the co-sporting directors, said they were delighted to welcome Romeo to Chelsea. He showed his talent in the Premier League at Southampton last year, displaying maturity despite his youth, and is a player we have been keeping an eye on for some time.
“We think he is prepared to make an impact at Chelsea throughout the current season and in the years to come,” the statement continued.
Lavia moved to St. Mary’s from Manchester City last summer, but he only stayed for one season. Before his move to Chelsea was finalised, he sent a touching farewell note.
On Instagram, he posted: “To Saints Fans. I want to thank you so much for everything you have provided me during my stay here as I say farewell.
Despite the fact that we didn’t accomplish our mutual objectives, I could feel your affection right away. I hope I was able to repay the faith you exhibited in me. I’ll never forget the belief the club and Saints all around the world showed in me.
I would especially like to thank all of my teammates and club staff members, whether they were directly involved in my development as a football player, athlete, or person, for supporting me ever since the day I stepped foot on the Staplewood Campus and for all the daily work and assistance behind the scenes.
“You all have contributed greatly to making my transition into real professional football easier,” I said.