23 August 2023 , 12:16
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For Liverpool this month, it seemed that one failed transfer directly led to another.
The Reds were left seething after being beaten to a key transfer target by Chelsea despite having a bid accepted. Not once of course, but twice, as both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia rejected the chance to head to Anfield.
In what proved an extraordinary week, former Brighton player Caicedo seemed destined for Liverpool after the club made a £105 million bid, surpassing the previous offers of their rivals that had been ultimately rejected by their London rivals. But with his heart set on the Blues, Todd Boehly finally flinched and duly sealed a British record £115 million deal.
Jurgen Klopp and co then duly turned their attention back to Lavia, having previously had three approaches rebuffed by Southampton. But in a case of deja vu, a £60 million bid sufficed only for the player to turn down the move before Chelsea again came in.
But Lavia's stance was no coincidence it seems. The 19-year-old Belgian starlet had his head turned by Caicedo himself, who after signing on the dotted line promptly went to work on getting the starlet to follow him through the door at Stamford Bridge.
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According to a report in the Athletic, Caicedo sent the teenager a message outlining how keen he was to line up alongside him. His words clearly had the desired effect, although it remains to be seen if the duo both get game time against Luton on Friday night.
The club themselves also reportedly used the 21-year-old World Cup star as part of their pitch to Lavia, who was one of the few shining lights as Southampton were relegated to the Championship last season. Despite an underwhelming start to this season following Sunday's defeat to West Ham, Mauricio Pochettino is clearly building a squad for the future.
Moises Caicedo now holds the British transfer record (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Do Chelsea know what they're doing in the transfer market? Comment below.
Enzo Fernandez is just 22, while Lesley Ugochukwu is only 19, so Lavia seemingly fits in perfectly with the current crop. He also reportedly spoke to compatriot Eden Hazard, who knows a thing or two about representing the Blues.
Regardless, Lavia will hope when his Chelsea bow does come, he enjoys a more positive debut than Caicedo. He came on as a 61st-minute substitute at the London Stadium on Sunday, but his struggles were summed up by conceding an injury-time penalty, which Lucas Paqueta converted to make it 3-1.
The result leaves Chelsea with a haul of just one point, following their draw with Liverpool on the opening weekend. And Pochettino's men will be under pressure to bounce back when they face newly-promoted Luton at Stamford Bridge.