Southampton forked out £12M for an 18-year-old Romeo Lavia last summer from Manchester City, and a year later, the teenage sensation has become a subject of multiple interests from different English clubs. City deemed him so good that they included a buy-back clause in his contract that could allow them to sign him back for a fee of around £40 million in 2024.
City may never get to exercise that clause, as Premier League clubs are circling Southampton like a shark to snap up the young Belgian from their ranks. Unfortunately, Soton’s relegation to the Championship last season has left the Saints ready to part ways with their prized asset, knowing he’s too good to stick with them in the English second tier.
Chelsea issue £48 million offer for Romeo Lavia
Liverpool were in the pole position to sign Lavia and had sent three bids to Southampton, which the Saints rejected because they didn’t match their valuation of the player. However, Chelsea have now stepped in the deal, hoping to force Southampton’s hands into accepting £48 million for the 18-year-old.
According to Sky Sports, Southampton are prepared to reject the offer as it falls below their £50 million valuation of Lavia. However, talks about the deal could accelerate in the next 24 hours as Chelsea may finally match the Saints’ asking price for Romeo Lavia.
Chelsea have submitted formal bid to Southampton for Roméo Lavia worth £48m fee 🚨🔵 #CFC
Negotiations ongoing between clubs as Liverpool last proposal was worth £45m and rejected. pic.twitter.com/6NjHx5o8ZB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2023
Chelsea are looking to strengthen their midfield after parting ways with several players this summer. Midfielders like N’golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have all been sold to different clubs, so Chelsea are looking to bring in at least three new midfielders to fill the holes left by these players.
Chelsea are also in the race to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton, with the Sussex-based club reportedly hoping to make a club-record sale for the Ecuadorian international.
Southampton rejects Liverpool’s £45 million offer
Liverpool fans will probably be disappointed with their club if Chelsea ends up signing Rome Lavia. The Merseyside club has been heavily linked with the 18-year-old, sending three bids for the Belgian but seeing everything knocked down.
The frustration of the club’s fans is understandable as according to Jamie Carragher, the club made good money from the sales of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, so they should have no issue paying £50 million for a player of Lavia’s caliber.
Southampton rejected Liverpool’s latest £45 million offer as it was still below what they considered the player’s value. It’s not clear yet whether Liverpool will enter a bidding war with Chelsea for the signing of the former Manchester City youngster.
Should Liverpool return with a fourth and final bid for Romeo Lavia? Share your opinion with us below!
