Manchester City’s £40m buyback option on Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia doesn’t come into effect until the summer of 2024, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
A number of rival Premier League teams, including Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, are circling the former City player ahead of the next transfer window.
However, with City not having a clause in place to snap up Lavia this summer, it has led to a lot of discussion among fans on Twitter:
Tbh this isn’t a bad thing. He’s had a good first season but that’s not enough to drop 40m on him
— Andy (@a779457) March 25, 2023
Get txiki out of the club
— samet (@sgkicks29) March 25, 2023
Let him cook for another season as this season has been disturbed by couple of injuries.
Meanwhile we will see what Phillips can offer if he stay fit next season.— ajgjLs (@lordsalty57_) March 25, 2023
Southampton gonna sell him this summer for 60mil
— Gary (@GGNY_315) March 25, 2023
We need to get him back. He will be world class for years to come. If he doesn’t join us he will go to another top 6 club
— Mohammed Al-Thani (@mbaalthani8) March 25, 2023
Chelsea will buy him before then…. pic.twitter.com/sWJSfwrBp0
— 𝘑𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘦 ⍒ (@aurorables) March 25, 2023
Fine then give Phillips one more year to build his value or show that he fits the team
— Kenny (@KennyT1985) March 25, 2023
Nooooooooo
— 🩻🥏🇧🇼🫧 (@hflame4) March 25, 2023
There is a very real danger that City could lose a very promising young player. If the likes of Chelsea or Arsenal table a bid that Southampton can’t refuse, it may force the Citizens into action.
From the looks of things, there is a strong possibility that they will have to pay significantly above the agreed £40m figure to head off interest from other clubs. With manager Pep Guardiola needing to revamp his midfield options, City may have no choice but to spend the extra money.