Romeo Lavia reveals his THREE reasons for picking Chelsea and turning down Liverpool as his £58m transfer is announced…

Ex-Southampton star says ‘history’ is one of them!

Chelsea’s new signing Romeo Lavia has revealed the three reasons that convinced him to join the West London giants.

Keen to boost their midfield options this summer, the Blues completed the signing of Lavia for £58m on Friday morning, just days after the signing of Moises Caicedo.

The Belgium international has signed a seven-year contract with the West London giants after completing a medical on Thursday, Mail Sport has revealed.

Interest in the former Southampton star continued throughout the transfer window and at one point it looked like he might sign for Liverpool.

The Reds were in hot pursuit of the 19-year-old and made more offers to the Saints, only for Chelsea to pounce and reach an agreement with the club.

Introducing a new Blue! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/vdHynMOMti

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 18, 2023

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Southampton star Romeo Lavia in a deal worth £58m

Mauricio Pochettino’s side sealed the Belgian international despite interest from Liverpool

The Belgian star will wear number 45 for Chelsea, the same as for Southampton

And in his first interview after signing for Chelsea, Lavia revealed the “three factors” that convinced him to join the Blues.

“I think the project and the club’s ambitions were key factors, but also the story behind it, so those three factors influenced my decision,” he said.

Liverpool have a glittering history, boasting 19 league titles to Chelsea’s six.

However, since the start of 2010, Chelsea have won 11 titles to Liverpool’s seven and for the Belgian star this makes them a more attractive option. Lavia also spoke on the club’s website, after sealing his move, where he said: “I’m really happy to be joining Chelsea and being a part of this exciting project.” It’s a great football club with a great history and I’m really excited to start.

“I can’t wait to meet all my new teammates and build chemistry together to accomplish great things together.”

The 19-year-old will wear the Blues’ number 45 shirt, the same number he wore during his year at Southampton.

Before the official announcement on Friday morning, the Belgian international also wrote an emotional message to his fans to say goodbye to the club.

“To the Saints fans. As I greet you, I want to thank you for everything you have given me during my time here,” he said.

“I immediately felt the love of all of you, even if we didn’t reach our common goals.

I will never forget the faith shown to me by the club and Saints around the world and I hope I have been able to repay the trust you have placed in me.

“I would like to give a special thanks to all my teammates and all the staff within the club, whether closely involved or not, for embracing me since the day I walked across Staplewood Campus and for all the day to day work and help behind the screens that make me a better person, athlete and footballer.

Good luck this season and I look forward to seeing the club return to the Premier League where it belongs soon! Thanks Saints. romeo.\’

As Mail Sport revealed on Wednesday, the deal includes a further £5m in add-ons, with Chelsea’s spending under United States owner Todd Boehly now poised to cross the £1bn mark.

Lavia joined Southampton from Manchester City last season after impressing during his academy training years with the reigning Premier League champions.

Pep Guardiola has rejected the buy-back option included in his contract with the south coast club, but will recover the 20% resale fee from the Chelsea deal.

Lavia – the Belgian international – enjoyed success in England’s top flight last season, making 29 Premier League appearances, but was unable to help Saints stay clear of the relegation zone.

His decision to turn down Liverpool means Klopp will now look for alternatives during the remaining days of the transfer window.

And the Reds wasted no time in doing so, Mail Sport revealed on Wednesday night when they made a surprise £16million offer for Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo, 30.

Endo, the fierce Japanese captain, is well known to Liverpool sporting director Jorge Schmadtke and can also play as a centre-back. He is to undergo a medical examination in Merseyside.

Gravenberch, 21, is open to leaving as he wants to play more regularly. Bayern have so far resisted a sale, but they are overburdened with midfielders and are under pressure to claw back cash following the £100m signing of Harry Kane.

Liverpool have also asked about Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat and Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure as they consider midfield goals after failing to sign Caicedo and Lavia.