‘Key factor’ - why Romeo Lavia has opted to ‘join’ Chelsea ahead of Liverpool transfer

Romeo Lavia has opted to join Chelsea over Liverpool because of the London side’s interest him in last summer.

That’s according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano as the midfielder closes in on a switch to Stamford Bridge.

The Reds saw three bids culminating at £45 million rejected for Lavia in their search for a new defensive midfielder. As a result, Chelsea stole a march on Jurgen Klopp‘s men and it’s been suggested they will pay £50 million plus add-ons.

Lavia only joined Southampton last summer from Manchester City but enjoyed an eye-catching 2022-23 season despite their relegation from the Premier League. The 19-year-old made 34 appearances in total and broke his way into the Belgium senior set-up.

Only weeks after he moved to the south coast, however, Chelsea made an attempt to sign Lavia for £50 million on summer transfer deadline day in 2022. And for that reason, it is said that’s why he has his heart set on a switch to the King’s Road.

Romano wrote on Twitter: “Roméo Lavia decided to join Chelsea as they wanted him already last summer — he joined Southampton for £12m in July and then… Chelsea got £50m proposal rejected on Deadline Day. Story revealed last summer now makes key impact on Lavia’s future as he said yes to #CFC move.” Chelsea also beat Liverpool to the signing of Moises Caicedo.