Romeo Lavia 'chooses Chelsea over Liverpool' with fee set in latest blow to Jurgen Klopp

Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia has chosen to join Chelsea over Liverpool - as Jurgen Klopp and the Reds miss out on yet another transfer target this summer

Posted Tuesday, August 15, 2023 by Dailystar.co.uk

Liverpool have missed out on Southampton star Romeo Lavia, who has decided to join Chelsea.

Chelsea are expected to land the star for a deal worth around £50million, according to The Athletic. Liverpool had been keen on the midfielder, but Lavia has decided to join the Blues - and the deal is expected to be sealed without any problems.

The Belgian international spent time at Manchester City - who had a buy-back clause that activated next summer. However, Chelsea and Liverpool had been keen to add him to their ranks this summer, meaning City were not able to swoop in.

It's another blow for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool - who also missed out on Moises Caicedo in recent days. Liverpool had hoped to land Lavia for £48million, before they turned their attention to the Ecuadorian over the weekend.

However, after having a £111million bid accepted by Brighton, Lavia decided he wanted to join Chelsea.

And the Blues have now also beaten the Reds to the punch with Lavia - leaving Klopp's midfield looking thin on the ground.

The Reds opened their Premier League campaign against Chelsea at the weekend - and Klopp's midfield featured two wingers - Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai - partnered with Alexis MacAllister.

Szoboszlai and MacAllister remain the Reds' only two signings this summer, while they have waved goodbye to a number of players who were starters last season.

Outside of the starting trio on Sunday, Liverpool have four more midfielders: Harvey Elliott, Thiago, Curtis Jones, and Stefan Bajcetic.