Chelsea sign 19-year-old Belgian Romeo Lavia for 62m euros

Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia will continue his career at Chelsea, the club announced on Friday. The 19-year-old is leaving relegated Southampton to join the London club on a seven-year deal. Chelsea paid £53 million - around 62 million euros - for Lavia, one of the most expensive transfers this season.

Chelsea were not the only club interested in Lavia. Liverpool tried to persuade him to sign for them, but were unable to match Chelsea's offer. Southampton will receive £53 million for the player and could receive an additional £5 million if certain conditions are met.

Lavia came through the ranks at RSC Anderlecht before being sold to Manchester City in 2020. He was bought by Southampton for 12 million euros in 2022. The sale to Chelsea makes Lavia the sixth most expensive Belgian transfer in football history.

"I am very happy to join Chelsea and this fantastic project," Lavia said in a statement on the club's website. "It's a great club with a great history. I can't wait to meet my new teammates and achieve great things together."

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