Manchester City's summer transfer business has signalled a slight rebuild and change of strategy at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite winning four of the last five Premier League titles, the squad has seen wholesale changes to maintain the same amount of hunger for success.
Gabriel Jesus - a four-time domestic champion - has already left to join Arsenal, with Raheem Sterling also heavily linked with a move to Chelsea.
Advert
The likes of Nathan Aké and Oleksandr Zinchenko are also reportedly considering their future, with several clubs in the Premier League showing an interest.
On the youth front, there has been a significant change of strategy.
Various young talents have already left City on permanent deals, with buy-back or sell-on clauses added into their contracts at the buying club.
It puts pressure on the team - who have made a financial commitment - to facilitate the players development and try to get good levels of performance.
Advert
This is exactly the case with Romeo Lavia, who has now finalised a move to Southampton.
Prior to tonight's official announcement, Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News revealed all the details surrounding the exit.
Saints are paying an initial £10.5 million for his services, with future add-ons pushing that total package to the £14 million mark.
Advert
The Blues will also get 20% of any future sale and the opportunity to match that particular bid.
It has also been revealed that Manchester City have a buy-back clause in the deal, with the understanding being that this is in the region of £40 million.
Speaking upon joining the club, Romeo Lavia said, “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."
Advert
“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.”
Southampton manager Ralph Hassenhuttl also expressed his delight at the move.
“Roméo 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."
Advert
He continued, “We are very excited to sign him ahead of many other interested clubs. It proves that we have a positive reputation for improving young players, which we have worked hard to build up over the years."
“Roméo is coming from one of the best teams in the world, learning from the best manager and the best players. Now it is up to him to show us why he deserves to play in the Premier League, as we hope to help take his game to the next level.”
Despite showing real signs of promise, this move does feel like the best for all parties.
With Kalvin Phillips' arrival at City, competition for places in Lavia's area of the field has just got ten times tougher.
Rodri has emerged as one of Europe's premier midfielders and - even without Phillips - he was always going to be hard to displace in the team.
Topics: Manchester City, Romeo Lavia, Southampton, Premier League
Harry Siddall