Manchester United could explore a shock January deal for Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia
Manchester United’s summer transfer was finalised with the capture of highly-rated goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp.
Despite entirely missing out on European football, INEOS did a great job in the transfer market and spent significant amount of money to bolster Ruben Amorim’s squad. They upgraded the forward department with the additions of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. In terms of competition for Patrick Dorgu at left wing-back, Diego Leon arrived earlier in July from Cerro Porteno.
Besides signing a goalkeeper, the Red Devils were interested in adding a midfielder to the squad. They failed to sign a new midfielder in the closing stages of the summer transfer window, with their pursuit of Brighton and Hove Albion hotshot Carlos Baleba collapsing. The Cameroonian international was keen on a move to Old Trafford, but Manchester United were put off by Brighton’s hefty £120m fee.
Manchester United could explore a shock January deal for Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia.
Manchester United could consider a move for Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia in January
Manchester United could consider shock January move for Chelsea midfielder
Midfield remains a pressing concern for Man United. Amorim has made no secret of his desire to recruit a ‘dynamic’ midfielder, which could prompt the Premier League giants to revive their interest in Baleba next year.
Miguel Delaney, writing in his Inside Football newsletter, has suggested that United could explore a surprise deal for Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia in January. The Independent journalist claims that while he expects the 20-time English champions to renew their interest in Baleba in 2026, there are also suggestions that a shock deal could be explored for Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia.
“The end of the window of course means the start of speculation for January, mostly due to the business that didn’t get done, Delaney wrote in his Inside Football newsletter.
“Manchester United still want a midfielder. Expect United to go back in for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, although some insiders have wondered whether a deal could be done for Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia.”
Manchester United could explore a shock January deal for Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia.
Carlos Baleba remains Ruben Amorim’s primary target to reinforce Man United’s midfield department
United must stay away from Lavia
Lavia arrived at Chelsea for £58m from Southampton in the summer of 2023. Given his performances for Southampton, it was considered to be a coup as the Blues beat Liverpool to the midfielder’s signature. However, he has endured two injury-ravaged campaigns at Stamford Bridge, limiting him to only 23 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions thus far.
The Belgium midfielder managed just 16 league appearances last season owing to hamstring and thigh problems. The 21-year-old has not played for Enzo Maresca’s side since their Club World Cup last-16 win over Benfica in June, having struggled with a muscle injury, with his return anticipated following the end of the international break.
A talented No.6, Lavia interestingly fits the profile of a midfielder United are looking at. He may not be as physical and powerful as Baleba, but the Belgian is technically sound and press-resistant that allows him to control the tempo of play from the centre of the park. The ex-Manchester City talent can cover a lot of ground and never shies away from jumping into challenges and tackles.
However, the Chelsea man’s recent injury record is enough of a red flag for INEOS to stay away from any deal. Having identified Baleba as the primary target to sort out the midfield problem, INEOS must try their luck to lure the Brighton starlet to Old Trafford at the turn of the year. If he is unattainable again, a move next summer should be prioritised.