Report: Chelsea strike £58M Lavia deal after midfielder spurns Liverpool
Chelsea got the better of Liverpool in the transfer market once again.
The Blues struck a deal with Southampton worth up to £58 million for Romeo Lavia, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein. The Saints will receive £53 million up front and the remainder of the fee in add-ons.
The Belgian, who still needs to undergo a medical, opted to join the west London club over Liverpool earlier this week.
The Reds reportedly agreed to a deal worth £60 million for the midfielder earlier this week, but he informed the parties of his desire to join Mauricio Pochettino's retooling squad instead. Afterward, Chelsea re-engaged with Southampton to finalize the transfer.
Liverpool also lost out to Chelsea in their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo.
Lavia, 19, progressed through the academies at Anderlecht and Manchester City before joining Southampton last summer. As part of the agreement that sent him to St. Mary's last year, Manchester City will receive 20% of the profit Southampton makes from his sale, according to Ornstein.
The teenager impressed in the Saints' midfield despite their relegation from the Premier League, making him one of the most wanted stars of the transfer window. He started 26 Premier League matches last season.
At Stamford Bridge, he'll be in competition with the aforementioned Caicedo for playing time, along with undisputed starter Enzo Fernandez.