Former Manchester City midfielder Romeo Lavia is looking ahead to the new season with optimism after an injury-hit 2023/24.
The youngster completed a £53 million move to Chelsea from Southampton a year ago, with City earning between £8 million and £9 million as a result of their sell-on clause. But Lavia only got to make one appearance in his debut season, with injuries ruining his campaign.
He sadly managed to play just 29 minutes under Mauricio Pochettino.
It was a shame for Lavia, who had earned his big-money move to the Blues after a great season at Southampton.
Lavia had, of course, joined Southampton from Manchester City, who brought in around £14 million from his sale.
At the time, Lavia was widely regarded as one of City’s brightest prospects.
But he ultimately only made two first-team appearances, and Lavia has been reflecting on how hard it was to break through at City.
Romeo Lavia explains just how hard it was to break through at Man City
It is well known at this point that it is really difficult for young players to make the grade at City.
The academy produces amazing talents, but very few actually go on to become fully-fledged members of the first-team.
The biggest success story is undoubtedly Phil Foden, who is now one of the best players in the Premier League.
Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb are also huge young talents, with James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly set for chances this season after being promoted by Pep Guardiola.
But Lavia never quite managed to make the same breakthrough, and the midfielder has now said something to show just how difficult it was.
He told BBC Sport: “My mum never watched a game of mine at Man City. That’s to tell you how hard it was but I never really complained because I knew what I was getting into, the same in every decision I’ve made.
“It’s never been a problem. Even with the injuries last season, it was tough but what can you do? Turn it into a positive.”
Lavia comments show how tough it is
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The fact Lavia never used to invite his own mum to watch him at City just shows how hard it was for him, and how hard it is for other youngsters in a similar boat to break through.
There are many talented youngsters at the CFA, which is the case because there has been huge investment in everything from infrastructure to coaches to other staff.
It really is extremely difficult to make it at City as a result of the world-class players that are in that first-team.
Only the most special youngsters will make it, and the others will be sold on to other clubs, often for a really solid fee which obviously gives a pure profit.
