Southampton sign Lavia from Man City - Most expensive U18 signing in club history
Southampton have signed midfield talent Roméo Lavia from Manchester City's U23. The Saints announced on Wednesday that the 18-year-old has signed a contract until 2027. According to the BBC, Man City will receive £10 million (€11.7m) for the Belgian U21 player. Lavia, therefore, becomes the most expensive U18 signing in Southampton's history.
Lavia originally joined Man City from RSC Anderlecht in 2020 and primarily played for the U18 and U23. The 18-year-old also played 39 games for the reserve side scoring two goals and four assists. Lavia was one of the players featured in last winter's Transfermarkt Talents Calendar.
“City need people with such a profile," his former Anderlecht coach Vincent Kompany said at the time of the transfer to Man City. "He has what Pep Guardiola is looking for. Normally, as a young player, you only have a one-in-a-million chance of making an immediate breakthrough at Manchester City, but Lavia can do it. He is such a special talent." It is Lavia's first transfer on the senior level.
- Date of birth/Age:
- Jan 6, 2004 (20)
- Nat.:
- Current club:
- Chelsea FC
- Contract until:
- Jun 30, 2030
- Position:
- Defensive Midfield
- Market Value:
- €35.00m
- Total Market Value:
- €143.60m
- Competition:
- Championship
- Position:
- 4.
- Manager:
- Russell Martin
- Squad size:
- 20
- Latest Transfer:
- David Brooks
- Total Market Value:
- €1.32bn
- Competition:
- Premier League
- Position:
- 1.
- Manager:
- Pep Guardiola
- Squad size:
- 26
- Latest Transfer:
- Claudio Echeverri