Manchester City are plotting a move to re-sign Romeo Lavia from Southampton, and they have a £40 million buyback clause.
Pete O’Rourke has told Give Me Sport that Romeo Lavia is a target for Manchester City in the summer. Pep Guardiola’s side have a £40 million buyback clause in the Belgian’s contract at Southampton, meaning they will have the right to first refusal if the Saints decide to sell him.
Manchester City will make key additions in the summer window as Pep Guardiola could refresh his options in a few areas. The Cityzens could lose a few players who may have run their course in their system and are probably looking at a new challenge.
Bernardo Silva could be one of those stars, but there is also key interest in key midfielder Rodri. Barcelona are keen on the Spanish international, but their financial situation will prevent them from splashing the required money for now.
Whether Rodri leaves or stays, Guardiola will likely bring in a viable cover or competition for the Spaniard in the summer. The signing of Kalvin Phillips has not worked out, and there is barely any hope for a revival in fortunes for the former Leeds star.
Hence, Guardiola could look from the available options at his disposal and make an approach to sign Southampton star Romeo Lavia. The Belgian joined Manchester City from Anderlecht in 2020 and made two senior appearances in cup competitions.
Southampton signed him on a decent deal last summer. But Manchester City included a buy back clause worth £40 million in that contract. Hence, the Premier League champions have the first refusal if the Saints decide to sell him next summer as interest in the 19-year-old midfielder mounts.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke has now confirmed the presence of the buyback clause in Lavia’s contract and insisted Manchester City will keep tabs on the midfielder’s situation. O’Rourke said, “I believe they do have a buy-back option in his contract from when they sold them to Southampton, so that would give them first refusal on any potential deal for Romeo Lavia.”
“It’s one they’ll be keeping an eye on; he has been with a number of top clubs, the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United have all been linked to him as well. And if Southampton do go down, I think they’ll face a real fight to keep hold of him.”
Chelsea are among those keen on signing the Belgian and were willing to spend over £50 million before. Southampton cannot sell the youngster without Manchester City’s consent, which puts the Premier League champions in a strong position to re-sign Lavia.
Guardiola will possibly look at the 19-year-old if he feels the player can fit into his system. Lavia has been key for Southampton, making 22 appearances this season. The Saints are in a relegation scrap. But the Belgian will likely seek a fresh start elsewhere if they cannot retain their Premier League status..