Romeo Lavia failed to make the step up to Manchester City’s first-team, so he was sold to Southampton this summer – Pep Guardiola signed Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United, so Lavia had little chance of dethroning the 26-year-old as well as Rodri next season.
Lavia is highly-rated, however, so there may be some regret at City having to let him go. But Sam Lee of The Athletic revealed the Sky Blues could bring him back to the Etihad Stadium if he realises his potential. And if he’s sold on, City could land themselves more money.
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City sold Lavia for £10.5m, but that fee could rise to £14m with performance-related add-ons. The Premier League champions have the option to re-sign the talented defensive-midfielder for £40m too. But if Lavia is moved on by Southampton and City opt against signing him, they’ll still get 20% of the transfer fee.
Lavia spent two years in Manchester after joining from RSC Anderlecht in 2020. He went on to make 16 appearances for the U18s, 38 appearances for the U23s and two appearances for the first-team. The 18-year-old has represented Belgium at U21 level too, so his future looks bright.
Could he return to City in years to come?