One of the most intriguing aspects of Manchester City’s summer business is the number of wholesale changes taking place on the youth front.
Perhaps the most striking example was rising goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu joining Southampton on a permanent basis, in a deal expected to rise up to £15 million.
Additionally, it seems as though CJ Egan-Riley is now set to join Vincent Kompany’s Burnley ahead of next term, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis will head out on a season-long loan to Turf Moor.
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Manchester City under-18s starlet Darko Gyabi’s permanent switch to Leeds United also looks all but confirmed, with Kalvin Phillips set to don sky blue for the upcoming campaign and beyond.
Another name that can be added to this list of outgoing academy talents is Belgian youth midfielder Romeo Lavia, who was earlier reported to be on the verge of joined Southampton in a permanent deal.
It was additionally stated that the highly-rated prospect is set to depart the Etihad Stadium for a fee in the region of £10 million.
Upon hearing the news, several Manchester City fans expressed their disappointment as the Belgian has been considered as a candidate to become the club’s go-to defensive midfielder in the future, since his arrival from RSC Anderlecht in 2020.
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The gifted youngster showcased a glimpse of his talent last term, as he bossed proceedings in the middle of the park in a 6-1 rout against Wycombe Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.
As a result, there are many that believe that Romeo Lavia’s sale could end up being a classic case of what could have been.
However, the Premier League champions are always ahead of the curve, as they are prepared in case such a situation transpires.
According to a new report by the Mail, while Manchester City were ‘reluctant’ to sell Romeo Lavia this summer, the club will insert both a buy-back and a sell-on clause for the teenage sensation.
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It has been reported that Pep Guardiola was ‘keen’ on the midfield prodigy to remain in and around the Manchester City first-team squad next season, despite Kalvin Phillips’ imminent arrival from Leeds.
As things stand, it has been suggested that those within the club do not believe the Belgian Under-21 international is ready to push Rodri for first-team minutes, which explains why Phillips’ potential signing.
However, the club are said to believe that Romeo Lavia will be tailor-made to occupy the number six role for the club one day.
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Ultimately, Manchester City have arguably ended up as the victors in this deal.
If Romeo Lavia becomes a smash hit at St. Mary’s, the club can trigger the buy-back clause to initiate his return.
In the event that he fails to live up to the hype, Southampton will likely then choose to move him on, which will lead to the Sky Blues profiting due to the sell-on clause in place.
The player benefits as well, as getting accustomed to Premier League football under a coach in Ralph Hasenhüttl that has a proven track record of improving youngsters is only set to be a good thing for his career.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / AlamyTopics: Romeo Lavia, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Southampton, Premier League, Football, Transfers
