Eden Hazard: How Chelsea Legend Helped Former Club Sign Romeo Lavia Ahead of Liverpool

• Chelsea have beaten Liverpool to the signing of Moises Caicedo from Brighton
• The Blues have also reached an agreement with Southampton for Romeo Lavia
• Club legend and former Belgium captain, Eden Hazard has been named as an influential figure in the deal

The love Eden Hazard has for Chelsea is unquantifiable, and many years after he left the club, he is still using his influence to help them secure signings ahead of rivals.

Hazard left Chelsea for Real Madrid in 2019 after seven successful years at the club, but the move did not turn out as everyone would have expected. His contract was terminated in June after just four years.

He is still without a club, but while searching for a new club or considering retirement, he has served as a mediator for the Blues to secure the services of one of the best young midfielders from Belgium.

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Chelsea and Liverpool were locked in a transfer battle over Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia. The Blues have won the war for Caicedo, while The Athletic's David Ornstein reported that they have also secured Lavia.

Hazard's influence on Lavia

The 19-year-old was Liverpool's priority for their defensive midfield, but they lost out due to some key factors. According to Mirror UK, the player was disappointed by the Reds bidding £111m for Caicedo despite their unwillingness to match Southampton's initial valuation of £50m.

ATA Football journalist Rob Pratley wrote an extensive thread on X (formerly Twitter) on how Hazard was crucial in convincing his compatriot to head to London.

It was claimed that the midfielder had been in London seeking housing options, but the meeting with his former captain was the final straw. The 31-year-old convinced him of the attractions of London and how he could have privacy if he so desired.

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The club confirmed this after the announcement, with a video of Lavia on video call with Eden Hazard, telling his compatriot he's getting used to his old place.

Chelsea's director of recruitment and talent, Joe Shields, who knew Lavia at Manchester City and Southampton, was also crucial in the deal, which has now been agreed for £53m plus £5m add-ons, less than the proposed £60m from Liverpool.

Hazard spotted at Stamford Bridge

Sports Brief reported that Hazard was spotted at Stamford Bridge before the 1-1 draw between his former club and visiting Liverpool.

The Belgian spent seven years at Chelsea but is without a club after Real Madrid terminated his contract. It was initially unclear why he was at the game, but it all makes sense now.