Former Premier League defender Michael Dawson has expressed admiration for Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia, suggesting the talented midfielder would be an ideal addition to Manchester City.
Lavia, a product of City’s academy, initially left the club for Southampton in 2022 before joining Chelsea for £58 million in 2023.
Despite enduring injury setbacks during his time at Stamford Bridge, the Belgian international has shown glimpses of his immense potential.
Lavia’s performances for Chelsea have impressed Dawson, who sees him as a natural fit for City’s style, especially given the club’s struggles with the absence of Rodri due to injury this season.
Discussing the talent pipeline from City’s academy, Dawson also mentioned other former City players thriving elsewhere, including Cole Palmer and Liam Delap.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he highlighted the challenges for young players breaking into City’s first team, stating, “You look at players like Palmer, Lavia, and Delap—they’ve done brilliantly since leaving. Lavia, in particular, would have been perfect for Manchester City, especially with Rodri out.”
Dawson acknowledged Lavia’s setbacks but praised his resilience, saying, “After his move to Southampton and now Chelsea, where injuries have hampered his progress, he’s still proven to be a special talent whenever he’s on the pitch.”
Lavia’s rise mirrors the success of other academy graduates who found opportunities outside of City. Palmer’s transition to Chelsea has been especially seamless, with many considering him a star in the making.
Reflecting on Lavia’s potential, Palmer previously said, “He’s one to watch—once he’s fully fit and playing regularly, people will see just how good he is.”
As Manchester City navigates a challenging season, currently sitting eighth in the league, Dawson’s comments raise questions about whether letting go of talents like Lavia and Palmer was the right decision.
Meanwhile, Chelsea fans will be hoping to see more of Lavia’s brilliance as he continues to recover and make his mark in their midfield.