SAINTS have completed their fourth summer signing with Manchester City midfielder Romeo Lavia, and it is a third player 20-years-old or under.

Fellow Manchester City starlet Gavin Bazunu, although a seasoned Republic of Ireland international, and Bundesliga defender Armel Bella-Kotchap are both 20.

Lavia, a Belgium youth international, is a departure from experience further still – he is only 18-years-old and is yet to play a top-flight match.

There can be understandable concern at Sport Republic’s continuation of the youth potential transfer strategy, with a lack of experience cited by some in regards to the squad.

But who exactly is Romeo Lavia?

Brussels-born Lavia is a defensive midfielder, signed by Manchester City as a 16-year-old in summer 2020 – from his boyhood club Anderlecht, in Belgium.

Discovered at Kevin De Bruyne’s tournament in Belgium, the ball-winner helped City win the Under-18 Premier League in his first season at the club.

That same season, he actually also won Premier League 2 with the Etihad side’s under-23s. Lavia was promoted to the senior youth group by January, and went on to win their player of the year award.

His rapid rise continued after Pep Guardiola awarded him his senior City debut in the EFL Cup win over Wycombe Wanderers in September 2021, before a late substitute appearance in the FA Cup win over Swindon Town in January.

He also featured a further 28 times for the EDS and UEFA Youth League sides across 2021-22.

Daily Echo: Romeo Lavia (centre) has been one of Manchester City's best youth players (Pic: PA)Romeo Lavia (centre) has been one of Manchester City's best youth players (Pic: PA)

International pedigree?

Lavia is a Belgium under-21 international already, despite the fact he is still a teenager, making his debut in a 0-0 draw with Scotland in June.

Prior to that, he was a key player for the under-19 team and even captained them versus Italy in his final appearance.

Lavia played nine times for the under-19 group, a number of those alongside Saints starlet Kazeem Olaigbe – who is now on loan at Ross County.

In total, Lavia has received 16 youth caps for his country, and it looks very unlikely to stop there.

What did his Lavia’s hero say about him?

Last season, Lavia responded to some comments from his hero – naturally, Kevin De Bruyne, as both Belgium and City’s talisman.

The two-time PFA Players’ Player of the Year labelled Lavia as a potential star for both of his beloved sides.

Daily Echo: Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (Pic: PA)Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (Pic: PA)

"It is an unbelievable statement,” Lavia respnded. “I didn't expect it so it's really nice to hear that from one of the best midfielders in the world.

"Especially in Belgium as well so yeah, nice to hear. It's just amazing to just see how quickly they see the game than us as young players. It's surprising at times and looks a bit scary — but great."

City fan's view - @jack_lynham

Jack says: "He’s really good, and very much like Fernandinho – great at reading the game for a young age. Still a little raw needs some experience of men's football.

"Had a bit of a disappointing campaign last year, many thought he would get a few more first-team chances. Didn't really happen and he kind of bounced between squads."

Daily Echo: Romeo Lavia scores a penalty for City U23 in the EFL Trophy (Pic: PA)Romeo Lavia scores a penalty for City U23 in the EFL Trophy (Pic: PA)

Writer’s view

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s plans will remain close to his chest until at least the start of the Premier League season, but Lavia is a welcome addition at St Mary’s.

The 18-year-old is a ready-made replacement for Oriol Romeu, whose contract at Saints expires next summer – when he will be 31-years-old.

Even if Romeu stays at the club, Lavia will offer the veteran that rotation option whilst also learning from two of the better players at the club in the Spaniard and James Ward-Prowse.

Lavia’s rise has been significant in a largely insignificant period of time, going from City’s under-18 prodigy to under-23s player of the year by the age of 17.

He could come in and impress from the off like Tino Livramento, even if the consistency across a full season is incredibly difficult to find.

He might not play as many games as teammate Bazunu, who could almost immediately become the number one in net, but it is another wise acquisition.

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