Southampton’s recent transfer strategy has been an interesting one and one which could help them stay ahead of the curve before other teams catch on. In recent seasons, the Saints have targeted youth academy players from the top six clubs, where they sign players who have received high-quality coaching without the game time to prove their worth.
The big six in the Premier League; Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City, stockpile youth players in their academies, in the hope that one out of the larger group of players turns out to be world-class, increasing the chance of their youngsters being successful. Having a large number of players means that some players don’t get the game time they deserve, and look to leave the club in search of first-team football. These players arrive at cheaper prices, due to the unknown quality they possess, and how that may translate to Premier League football.
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Next in line is Romeo Lavia, the 18-year-old Belgian defensive midfielder who joined Southampton for £12 million, with Manchester City having the option to buy him back for £40 million. As a 16-year-old, the Anderlecht starlet arrived at Manchester City and within six months, was already knocking on the door for the under-23 Elite Development Squad. The teenager, still studying at school, won City’s academy player of the year award that same season. After two cup appearances for Pep Guardiola’s first-team, he realised he wanted more.
Now, Lavia has accepted his biggest challenge yet. Signing for Saints in the 2022 summer transfer window, the 18-year-old has missed just 30 minutes of the first five Premier League matches. Lavia experienced first-hand the very top level of European football. He was also on the bench for both of the Champions League semi-final matches versus Real Madrid last season.
First player born in 2004 to score in the #PL ☝️
✨ @RomeoLavia pic.twitter.com/IwasnmNiJR
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 31, 2022
How good is Romeo Lavia?
City signed Lavia in 2020 from Anderlecht’s youth set up where Citizen legend Kompany was manager, with the former defender reserving serious praise for the new Southampton signing. The 2021/22 season saw the 18-year-old handed two senior appearances with a start in the EFL Cup against Wycombe Wanderers and a brief cameo in the FA Cup against Swindon Town.
Romeo Lavia spent the last season playing for…
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