Southampton have completed the signing of defensive midfielder Romeo Lavia from Manchester City on a five-year contract.

The 18-year-old midfielder has moved to St Mary’s for a fee believed to be in the region of £12m plus add-ons, and the Citizens are understood to have a £40m buy-back clause.

Prior to tonight’s official announcement, Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News revealed all the details surrounding the exit.

Saints are paying an initial £10.5 million for his services, with future add-ons pushing that total package to the £14 million mark.

The Blues will also get 20% of any future sale and the opportunity to match that particular bid.

Lavia becomes Ralph Hasenhuttl’s fourth signing of the summer window after Gavin Bazunu, Mateusz Lis and Armel Bella-Kotchap.

Speaking to the club’s official website on his arrival, Lavia said: “I’m really delighted to join this club. I think this club has a really good culture with young players, so I’m really happy to be here.

“When I heard of the interest of Southampton I was buzzing because there’s an opportunity for young players to develop as much as possible and I’m very excited.”

✍️ #SaintsFC is delighted to confirm the signing of midfielder @RomeoLavia on a five-year deal from #ManCity:

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 6, 2022

Lavia joined Man City’s academy from Anderlecht in the summer of 2020 and developed into a key player at Under-18 and Under-23 level.

Last season, the midfielder made 27 appearances for City’s Under-23s side who won the Premier League 2 title, and he also featured twice for the senior team under Pep Guardiola, including his debut against Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup in September last year.

Lavia, a Belgium Under-21 international, will now be looking to impress Hasenhuttl in pre-season training this summer and will bid to make his Premier League debut at some stage during the 2022-23 campaign.

The news was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

“All the best!”
Credit: @AgueroSimple

“Hopefully he’ll back in a few years 🙏.”
Credit: @ftblyousef_

“Thank you and Good Luck in your new adventure Lavia 💙”
Credit: @El_Albicelestes

“Come back soon.”
Credit: @KDBSzn1

“It’s a good step for him in his career because he will get more game time and if he does well there I’m sure we will bring him back”
Credit: @EHaaland_SZN

“He’s a decent player I’m sure he will do well for you.”
Credit: @EHaaland_SZN

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