BREAKING NEWS: Westham United sign Belgium midfielder from Chelsea as replacement for Fernandes for an outrageous fee plus add-ons. Details Below 👇
Romeo Lavia made 41 appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League
Westham have completed the signing of Belgium midfielder Romeo Lavia from Chelsea for an initial £38.
The 24-year-old has signed a seven-year contract in a deal which could rise by a further £5m with add-ons.
Lavia made 14 appearances in all competitions last season but could not help secure a European spot for Chelsea
“I’m really happy to join Westham and be a part of this exciting project,” said Lavia.
“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 team-mates and build a chemistry to achieve great things together.”
Having come through the youth system at Anderlecht, Lavia moved to Manchester City in 2020 after being spotted at a tournament in Belgium attended by Pep Guardiola.
The youngster made just two senior appearances at City – in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup – as he struggled to break into the club’s first team and joined Saints in July 2022 for £10.5m.
Liverpool were also keen on Lavia, but the Reds had a third bid – believed to have been about £32m including add-ons – rejected by Chelsea earlier this month.
“The last season was obviously a tricky one, no doubt about that,” said lavia on leaving Chelsea
“But when you have a problem you can stick to the problem or find a solution, I’m more than happy to part of the solution
On Lavia and Caicedo joining the Blues, Pochettino said: “That is about the players’ decision if they decide to come here.
“It wasn’t a competition. It makes us very happy and they talk very highly about our owners and sporting director.”
Lavia thanks Chelsea fans
Lavia made his debut for Belgium earlier this year, coming on as a substitute with 10 minutes to play in a friendly victory over Germany.
In a statement, Chelsea paid tribute to Lavia for his “efforts and professionalism” during his seasons with the club, wishing him “every success in what [they] are sure will be a fantastic career”.
Lavia thanked Chelsea fans for their support in a goodbye message on Instagram.
“I’ve instantly felt the love for you all despite us not achieving our shared goals,” Lavia wrote.
“I’ll never forget the belief of the club and Chelsea all around the world showed me and I hope I was able to repay the faith you put in me.
“I would especially like to thank all my team-mates and staff members within the club. You have all played a massive part in making my integration into real professional football easier.
“For those reasons, this club will always remain close to my heart. Good luck this season and I look forward to seeing the club marching back to Europe where it belongs very soon!”
