45 Romeo Lavia

Born on 6 January 2004 in Belgium, Roméo Lavia began his football journey at Anderlecht’s famed academy. He joined the club at just eight years old, training at Neerpede near Brussels.

His breakthrough moment came at the KDB Cup, a prestigious youth tournament co-organized by Kevin De Bruyne. Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola, attending the event, took notice of Lavia’s talent—a moment that would later shape his career.

Manchester City: The Premier League Breakthrough

In 2020, at just 16, Lavia left Anderlecht for Manchester City, signing his first professional contract. He initially played with the U18s but quickly impressed and was promoted to the U23s, where he won the Premier League 2 title in April 2021. His performances earned him the Player of the Season award.

By the summer of 2021, Lavia was training with City’s first team and earned a spot in the squad for the UEFA Champions League. On 21 September 2021, he made his professional debut at 17 in an EFL Cup match against Wycombe Wanderers.

Southampton: First-Team Football and Premier League Recognition

Seeking regular senior football, Lavia joined Southampton on 6 July 2022 for an initial £10.5 million. The deal included a £40 million buy-back clause for City.

Lavia made his debut in a 4–1 loss to Tottenham on 6 August 2022, and later, on 30 August, he scored his first goal in a 2–1 win over Chelsea, becoming the first 2004-born player to score in the Premier League.

Despite Southampton’s relegation in 2023, Lavia stood out statistically:

• Most tackles, interceptions, and blocks among U21 Premier League players
• Only teenager to make over 50 tackles
• Ranked in the top 15 for ball recoveries per 90 minutes

Chelsea Transfer: A £53 Million Investment

After a fierce transfer battle between Chelsea and Liverpool, Lavia signed for Chelsea on 18 August 2023 for £53 million plus add-ons, rejecting Liverpool’s late advances.

However, his Chelsea career was immediately disrupted:

• Missed his debut due to a muscle injury in September
• Suffered an ankle injury while recovering
• Finally made his Chelsea debut on 27 December 2023 in a 2–1 win over Crystal Palace
• Injured his thigh in the same match, ruling him out for the rest of the season

2024–25 Season: A Fresh Start with More Injury Setbacks

Lavia finally started his first game for Chelsea on 18 August 2024 against Manchester City. Unfortunately, he soon suffered a hamstring injury, sidelining him for another month.

International Career: Belgium’s Rising Star

Lavia, born to a Ghanaian father and Congolese mother, represented Belgium at the U15 and U16 levels before earning his senior call-up in March 2023.

He made his Belgium senior debut on 28 March 2023 in a 3–2 victory over Germany. Despite limited game time due to injuries, he remains a key part of Belgium’s future plans.

Playing Style: The Complete Defensive Midfielder

Lavia is a deep-lying playmaker, excelling in:

• Ball recovery and pressing
• Defensive positioning and interceptions
• Line-breaking deep passes and forward dribbling

He has cited Sergio Busquets and Fernandinho as his inspirations. His high pass accuracy (84% in 2022–23) places him among the most reliable midfielders in the Premier League.

Former Southampton teammate Oriol Romeu once said, “If you’re that young and playing that well, you’re going to be special.”

What’s Next for Lavia?

Despite a frustrating start at Chelsea, Lavia’s talent is undeniable. If he can overcome his injury struggles, he has the potential to become one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. Chelsea will be hoping their £53 million investment pays off soon.