Lavia’s shirt number at Chelsea unveiled

Chelsea’s latest signing Romeo Lavia who moved to Stamford Bridge from Southampton has been tipped to make his debut for the Blues this weekend when they face West Ham United.

The midfielder, who was also linked to Liverpool, has penned a seven-year contract with the Blues

Lavia is likely to wear the Blues shirt with 45 on his back, which is the same number he wore for the Saints.

The midfielder began his career with Anderlecht in his native Belgium and spent eight years with the club before joining Manchester City at the age of 16.

He impressed for the Citizen’s Under-18s and Elite Development Squad and went on to make his first team debut in September 2021.

The Belgian midfielder started in the EFL Cup against Wycombe Wanderers.

Lavia made another first-team appearance for the EPL champions before completing a switch to Southampton last summer.

However, following Southampton’s relegation, the midfielder gained interest from other clubs like Chelsea.