It’s a bit of a story, but it’s no drama. The question from the headline wasn’t genuinely asked – it just goes naturally with all boys called Romeo. This one has just joined Southampton for $12.9 million.The 18-year-old Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia, who City signed from Anderlecht in 2020, has penned a contract with the south coast club, bringing a close to a successful two-year-stint at the City Football Academy. The deal could rise to $16.7 million, and City will get 20 per cent of his next sale.It’s official! Happy to join @SouthamptonFC 🔴⚪️ Ready to get to work. Let’s go! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/AdBzefYJbB— Lavia Roméo (@RomeoLavia) July 6, 2022 So, what happened? Well, simply put, Manchester City are too well-stocked in the midfield department. Lavia hoped that he would become the next Fernandinho at Etihad Stadium. But the competition was simply too strong for Romeo to stick around.The Belgian of Congolese descent was still some way off challenging Rodri for a starting role, partly explaining why the Blues signed Kalvin Phillips from Leeds. While Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Lavia, it appears that all parties agreed that a move would benefit the youngster’s development.Friday, 01.15: (2.24) Lanus (3.20) Ind.Del Valle (3.20)The Belgium Under-21 international took the opportunity to play in the Premier League rather than to spend any more time with Manchester City’s development side in the Premier League 2. After all, nothing compares to first-team football.”I’m really delighted to join this club. I think this club has a really good culture with young players, so I’m really happy to be here. When I heard of the interest of Southampton, I was buzzing because there’s an opportunity for young players to develop as much as possible, and I’m very excited.”Gavin Bazunu (20) – GoalkeeperArmel Bella-Kotchap (20) – Centre BackRoméo Lavia (18) – Defensive MidfielderVery interesting transfers for Southampton! 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/U9Fb5eoo0C— Pro Future Stars (@ProFutureStars1) July 5, 2022 Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said he was excited to secure Lavia’s signature ahead of several other interested clubs, crediting his club’s track record of developing young players and handing them playing time.”Romeo is an extremely talented young player at the start of his career who is open-minded and wants to learn and develop his game with us. We are very excited to sign him ahead of many other interested clubs.” A tireless ball-winning midfielder, Lavia becomes the Saints’ fourth signing in this close-season period, following the arrivals of goalkeepers Gavin Bazunu and Mateusz Lis and defender Armel Bella-Kotchap.
