Lavia has completed his Chelsea physical ahead of a possible summer transfer from Southampton. It comes as the Blues get closer to announcing the midfielder’s signing. However, the transfer process took many twists and turns in recent weeks. Lavia had a breakout season for the Saints last year after joining them from Manchester City in the summer.
The Belgian international looked cool and collected on the ball, receiving it from the backline and moving it, while also holding his own while off the ball. Following Southampton’s relegation, there was understandably a lot of interest from teams in a deal this summer.
Manchester City possessed a buy-back clause, but it only became effective next summer, meaning the club would have to engage in a bidding war to lure him back. If they do enter that race, they will have opposition from the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
With City out of the picture and the two London clubs concentrating their efforts elsewhere, a move to Anfield appeared to be the most likely option. Several proposals below the asking price were turned down by the Reds, who were looking for a steal until they joined the race for Moises Caicedo.