How Chelsea signed Roméo Lavia - A Thread
Chelsea's interest in Lavia is longwithstanding and the club did explore trying to get a deal done multiple times when he was in Manchester City's Academy. There was some interest in exploring a deal before he joined Southampton initially too.
After his MOTM performance against Chelsea, the club made two verbal offers on Deadline Day last summer which were both rejected. The 2nd offer was a total of £50m including add-ons.
Chelsea's apppointment of Joe Shields was a crucial moment due to his long term relationship with Roméo Lavia. He had recommended him to Southampton in the first place and his presence at Southampton was cited as a big reason why Lavia was lukewarm on CFC last summer.
Chelsea retained a good relationship with Southampton throughout due to the sale of Tino Livramento and also the loan of Armando Broja. Southampton always felt CFC interest in Lavia was genuine and that they would be serious bidders.
Chelsea had a broad agreement on personal terms with RL since January. Once it became clear that both MC and RL could be signed, Tyler Adams quickly became 3rd choice due to his current injury situation and also the release clause representing a notable upfront cost.
Liverpool had continued to hover around the situation making several low offers which caused friction with Southampton. Klopp also spoke to Lavia and encouraged him to make a move to Merseyside. At this point, RL wanted a Premier League move and Liverpool were in pole position.
After CFC firmed up interest and made 1 very strong offer - politely declined by Southampton - Joe Shields spoke again to Lavia and encouraged him to be City's 'KdB moment'.
Shields also stressed the longevity of Chelsea's interest, cited the fact he had spoken to 3 managers of CFC - all very different people - but every one of them had kept him sold to the club.
Finally, it was also pointed out that Liverpool had initially gone for Mount, Bellingham, Alexis Mac Allister and then in for Caicedo - without making a credible or serious offer to Southampton.
Lavia travelled up to London end of last week and had been spending time looking at housing options.
A meeting with Eden Hazard was the final piece of the puzzle needed to convince the player.
A meeting with Eden Hazard was the final piece of the puzzle needed to convince the player.
Hazard convinced Lavia of the attractions of London life and also pointed out it was a large enough city to be able to enjoy privacy if required. He also was extremely enthusiastic about Chelsea and noted that he had been in a similar 'wanted' position yet (cont.)
Never regretted picking CFC over other names.
This was the final persuasion required and from that point, Lavia's priority was the Chelsea move.
This was the final persuasion required and from that point, Lavia's priority was the Chelsea move.
Resultantly, even once Liverpool had agreed a fee, the player's mind was made up.
Pochettino also instrumental in pushing for this deal. Whilst the young midfielders did impress him in pre-season, he was particularly keen on signing options to help control the midfield and in particular ones that would free up Enzo Fernandez.
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