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Manchester United have turned down the chance to complete a deal for Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia during the summer transfer window, it has now emerged.
United had the opportunity to sign Lavia
Last summer, United spent most of their time and money trying to fix the attack after a dreadful 2024/25 season in front of goal.
The club earned north of £200 million thanks to the additions of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brentford and RB Leipzig respectively. United also acquired Senne Lammens from Belgian Royal Antwerp on deadline day.
At one point, United explored the possibility of signing a midfielder, with Carlos Baleba identified as their main target. However, Ruben Amorim’s side abandoned plans to tackle this part of the pitch after learning of Brighton’s exorbitant asking price.
United are believed to be making plans to sign a midfield in the summer of 2026. Baleba, Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) and Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart) are among the names on the club’s transfer wish list.
According to ESPNChelsea offered United the chance to sign Lavia during negotiations for Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho moved to Chelsea for £40 million in August. It is understood that Chelsea floated the idea of Lavia going the other way, but United were not interested due to the midfielder’s poor injury history.
Why United rejected Lavia’s offer
Mark Ogden reveals: “Although the need for midfield reinforcements had been recognized by the recruitment team, sources told ESPN that United had rejected Chelsea’s offer of Romeo Lavia as part of the deal that saw Alejandro Garnacho move to Stamford Bridge, ultimately for £40 million, due to concerns over the 21-year-old’s fitness record.”
Lavia has had a torrid time since joining Chelsea from Southampton in 2023. Chelsea paid £58 million to secure his services.
Due to injuries, Lavia only played one match in his first season at Stamford Bridge. Although he is an influential player and an undeniable talent when available, Lavia has yet to play 90 minutes of competitive football in two and a half years. In April, Enzo Maresca branded him “one of the best midfielders” around, but also complained about his injury woes.
The 21-year-old has missed a total of 88 games due to fitness issues.
He is currently sidelined after suffering another setback in Chelsea’s 2-2 Champions League draw against Qarabag last week.
Lavia played just 29 games for the Blues.
Featured image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images
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