Romeo Lavia reveals his decision to join Chelsea after he rejected by Liverpool.
Romeo Lavia, who joined Chelsea from Southampton for £58 million, has explained the ‘important considerations’ that influenced his decision to join Chelsea rather than Liverpool.
Romeo Lavia reveals his decision to join Chelsea after he rejected by Liverpool.
Chelsea confirmed the signing of Belgium midfielder Lavia from Championship club Southampton on Friday morning.
The 19-year-old, who impressed despite Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League last season, has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool were supposed to be leading the fight to recruit Lavia early in the summer, and Southampton recently stated they had accepted a proposal from the Anfield club.
However, Chelsea outbid Liverpool, as they did when signing Moises Caicedo from Brighton, and were encouraged by the assumption that Lavia preferred a move to west London.
‘I’m incredibly thrilled to join Chelsea and be a part of this fantastic project,’ Lavia said on the club’s official website, explaining his decision to sign with them. It’s an amazing football club with a fantastic history, and I’m very excited to get started.
‘I can’t wait to meet all my new team-mates and establish a chemistry together to achieve great things together.
‘I think the project and the club’s goals were major elements, but so was the history behind it, so these were the three variables influencing my decision.
‘It’s a fantastic time, and I’ve played against many of the guys we’ve signed, so I know how talented they are. It’s a terrific feeling to be here with them.’
Mauricio Pochettino’s latest summer addition is Lavia, who joins the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Robert Sanchez, and Caicedo.
The Blues drew 1-1 with Liverpool in their Premier League debut and will travel across London this weekend to face West Ham.
Chelsea co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said of Lavia’s signing: ‘We are very pleased to welcome Romeo to Chelsea.
‘He established his quality in the Premier League last season at Southampton, demonstrating maturity despite his young age, and is a player we have been watching for some time.
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‘We believe he is ready to make an impact at Chelsea both this season and in the future,’ said the club.
Lavia also said goodbye to Southampton fans after leaving St Mary’s, writing on Instagram, “I’ve instantly felt the love for you all despite us not achieving our shared goals.”
‘I’ll never forget the faith shown to me by the club and Saints all around the world, and I hope I was able to repay the trust you placed in me.’
