RomeoLAVIA

(Southampton)

With only two Manchester

City appearances to his name, Southampton supporters may have been entitled to ask: “Romeo who?” particularly after their club spent an initial £10.5 million on the18-year-old.

Yet Lavia arrives at St. Mary’s with a burgeoning reputation. Signed from Anderlecht in 2020 with a glowing reference from former City skipper Vincent Kompany, the Belgian was only16 when he established himself in the club’s Under-23 side. He was named Player of the Season as they won the Premier League 2 title in 2020-21, before making his senior debut against Wycombe Wanderers in last season’s Carabao Cup.

A defensive midfielder with an impressive passing range, his first-team prospects at the Etihad were harmed by the arrival of Kalvin Phillips. But at the age of18 he has shown impressive bravery by seeking Premier League football elsewhere.

Emilio LAWRENCE

(Everton)

Manchester City are already targeting the next16-year-old midfielder for their academy, with Lawrence expected to leave Everton’s academy to join City.

Simon ADINGRA

(Brighton & Hove Albion)

The latest graduate of the Right To Dream Academy, 20-year-old Ivorian striker Adingra joins the Seagulls from Danish side FC Norsdjaelland.

Malcolm EBIOWEI

(Crystal Palace)

A graduate of Chelsea, Arsenal and Rangers’ academies, the18-year-old forward played16 Championship games for relegated Derby County last year, earning a move to Palace.

Valentin CASTELLANOS

(New York City)

After13 goals in16 games this season, the 2021 MLS Golden Boot winner will begin his European career at City Football Group’s Spanish club, Girona.

Ousmane DEMBELE

(Barcelona)

One of the most protracted contract negotiations was finally resolved when the 25-year-old French winger penned a new two-year deal at Camp Nou.

Kenan YILDIZ

(Juventus)

The Italian giants held off competition from Barcelona to capture the highlypromising Turkey Under-17 attacking midfielder after his deal with German champions Bayern Munich expired.

“He was very eager to learn and willing to listen. He picked up a lot and showed that he is aggressive in recovering the ball, while also being calm on the ball” Vincent Kompany gives his assessment of Romeo Lavia while managing Anderlecht in 2021