Chelsea have confirmed that they have signed Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia on a long-term contract.
With a wide array of midfielders departing Stamford Bridge throughout the summer transfer window, head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been eager to bolster his options.
Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher impressed as a partnership against Liverpool last weekend, yet Chelsea's business over the past week suggests that it will be a short-lived combination.
Just days after Moises Caicedo left Brighton & Hove Albion for the Blues in a British-record transfer deal, Chelsea have announced that Lavia is the latest arrival in West London.
While Chelsea have not revealed a transfer fee, journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are paying Southampton a figure of £58m.
Introducing a new Blue! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/vdHynMOMti
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 18, 2023
Chelsea have revealed that Lavia has signed a contract until the end of the 2029-30 campaign, and he becomes eligible for the Premier League fixture with West Ham United on Sunday.
Speaking to the club's official website, the 19-year-old said: "I'm really happy join Chelsea and be a part of this exciting project. It's an amazing football club with a great history and I'm really excited to get started.
"I can't wait to meet all my new teammates and build a chemistry together to achieve great things together."
Lavia has been handed the number 45 shirt at Chelsea, like he worn during his one and only season in the colours of Southampton.
© Reuters
Including add-ons, Southampton agreed to pay Manchester City a fee of £14m last summer with the expectation being that Lavia would remain as a fringe member of the senior squad.
However, Lavia went on to make 26 starts and three substitute outings in the Premier League, with his form also earning him a debut with the Belgium national team.
Despite his long-term contract with the Saints, an exit was always on the cards this summer due to Man City possessing a buy-back clause for a fee in the region of £40m that could be activated in 2024.
In the minutes ahead of his transfer to Chelsea being confirmed, Lavia took to social media to express his gratitude for the support offered by Southampton's fans.
Darren Plant
