Chelsea considering Lavia’s replacement

Chelsea are said to be considering a replacement for midfielder Romeo Lavia, who joined them from Southampton for an initial £53m last year.

The Blues had signed Lavia with the hope that he would be a player that he would take the regular spot in the engine room when fit.

However, the Belgian star has suffered incessant injuries which has limited him to just four appearances across a near 14-month period.

Lavia made one substitute outing in 2023-24 campaign, and while he started the opening Premier League fixture of this season, he has barely featured since.

He was only used as a substitute against Servette in the Conference League playoff and as a late replacement in the Premier League showdown with Brighton at the end of last month.

With Lavia unavailable, Chelsea have had to make use of one midfielder out of the reckoning, allowing Cesare Casadei to get more game time.

Lavia has been tip to remain on the sidelines during Conference League main stage until at least Christmas.

Chelsea may have to opt for a short-term move for a new player found in January transfer window.

A report via Tuttomercatoweb revealed the Blues’ recruitment team have found a player who could become Lavia’s replacement.

The player is Hellas Verona midfielder Reda Belahyane.