Chelsea welcomes Romeo Lavia from Southampton in seven-year deal

Chelsea FC has officially added Romeo Lavia to their roster, securing the talented midfielder from Southampton on a seven-year contract.

Lavia's signing comes hot on the heels of the club's acquisition of Moises Caicedo, marking a busy week at Stamford Bridge.

Lavia will wear the No. 45 jersey, the same he wore during his stint with the Saints,.

His initial foray into football began with Anderlecht in Belgium, where he spent eight formative years.

Lavia then transitioned to Manchester City at 16, quickly making a mark with the Under-18s and Elite Development Squad.

His senior debut came in an EFL Cup match against Wycombe Wanderers, where he played a role in City's 6-1 triumph.

After just one more appearance for Manchester City, Lavia transitioned to Southampton.

While the midfielder's prowess had made him the target of many top-tier clubs, Lavia ultimately chose Chelsea.

He attributed his decision to three key elements: "The project and the ambitions of the club were key factors in me choosing Chelsea, but also the history behind the club," Lavia explained.

Mauricio Pochettino, the man helming Chelsea's new team, played a crucial role in Lavia's decision. Lavia praised Pochettino's clarity and alignment with his own aspirations, stating, "When I spoke to him, he was pretty clear on what he wanted, and the direction he wanted the team to go in."

Lavia took a moment to express gratitude to his family, "I’m really grateful for everything they’ve done for me. I wouldn’t be here without their constant support."