Vital Man City have noted how Manchester City’s pursuit of Kalvin Phillips was flawed as Rodri will be Pep Guardiola’s first-choice defensive-midfielder next season, but it’s been ignored how the 26-year-old’s arrival will affect youngsters looking to break into the first-team.
One of them is Romeo Lavia, an 18-year-old deep-lying midfielder who is rated highly at the club. The Belgian U21 international joined City on a four-year deal from RSC Anderlecht in 2020 and has gone on to make 16 appearances for the U18s, four appearances for the U19s and 38 appearances for the U23s.
Lavia has made two appearances in the first-team and been in the matchday squad a further 16 times, so he’s knocking on the door. Dan Sheldon and Sam Lee of The Athletic say he won’t get his chance to break into the senior squad, however, as Southampton are closing in on a deal for the teenager.
Desptie City rating him highly and being ‘reluctant’ to let him go this summer, the Premier League champions believe Phillips’ arrival will block Lavia’s development so they’re allowing him to forge a career elsewhere. City will have a buyback clause attached, however.
In other news, Kevin Campbell ‘not surprised’ Man City want to sign Marc Cucurella