The Premier League champions, Manchester City, declined the opportunity to compete with Chelsea in their triumphant bid to acquire Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.
This 19-year-old midfielder departed from the Etihad Stadium during the summer transfer window of 2022, relocating to the south coast for an initial fee of £10.5 million. Now, just 12 months later. He’s in the spotlight again. Drawing significant attention from various Premier League clubs. Notably triggering a competitive battle between Chelsea and Liverpool.
In the quest to secure the player’s signature, Manchester City notably stayed out of the competition, even though they had been actively seeking a new central midfielder during the summer transfer window. This was in addition to the arrival of Mateo Kovacic. Interestingly, despite having an agreed option to match any acceptable offers for Romeo Lavia. The club opted not to exercise this option. Declining the chance to match Chelsea’s substantial £53 million bid as reported by Duncan Castles.
Manchester City and their hopes
Despite their active pursuit of a new central midfielder during the summer transfer window. Which also saw the arrival of Mateo Kovacic, Manchester City made a conspicuous decision not to engage in the competition for the player’s signature. Surprisingly, they chose not to exercise their agreed-upon option to match any acceptable offers for Romeo Lavia. Thus forgoing the opportunity to match Chelsea’s substantial £53 million bid, as reported by Duncan Castles.
The captain of the Belgian national team sustained a hamstring injury in the Premier League opener against Burnley last week. He is now set to undergo surgery in Antwerp. A procedure that might keep him out of action until early 2024.
Manchester City also seem to have some interest in RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo. However, the Spaniard’s asking price could pose challenges for the Premier League champions, particularly given the advanced stage of the transfer window.
For more sports updates, follow us on Twitter.
