Romeo Lavia at risk as Chelsea explore new midfielder

Chelsea are thinking about changes in their midfield this summer. One big name linked with a possible exit is Romeo Lavia. The young Belgian midfielder has faced many injury problems. The reports say the club is looking at Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney from the Championship as a possible replacement.

The Injury Problem of Lavia at Chelsea

Chelsea signed Romeo Lavia from Southampton in 2023. Many fans hoped he would become a key player in the middle of the park. He is only 22-years-old and shows great talent when fit. He is strong at winning the ball, passing well, and staying calm under pressure but injuries have been a huge issue.

In recent seasons, Lavia has missed many games. Over the last three seasons, he has missed around 87 matches due to back-to-back injuries like muscle strains, thigh problems and ankle issues. In the 2025/26 season alone, he has missed around 23 games.

In this season, Lavia has made limited appearances where he played roughly 759 minutes with 0 goals so far. His fitness worries have forced Chelsea to rely more on players like Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. The club now seems open to selling him to bring in someone more reliable.

Romeo Lavia’s PL stats, as per FOTMOB:

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Hayden Hackney as A Replacement of Romeo Lavia

Hayden Hackney is a 23 year old English midfielder playing for Middlesbrough in the Championship. He has been one of the best players for his team this season. Hackney is known for his energy, good passing and ability to score and create goals from midfield.

Middlesbrough fans love him, and if the team does not get promoted to the Premier Leagueit may be hard for them to keep him. Journalist Simon Phillips reported that Chelsea are tracking Hackney as a possible option if they sell Lavia or Andrey Santos.

Hackney offers something different. He is available and playing regularly, unlike Lavia. He has experience leading a midfield in a tough league. His goal and assist numbers this season (5 goals + 8 assists) are impressive for a central midfielder.

Hayden Hackney’s stats, as per Transfermarkt:

According to The Chelsea Chroniclemoving to Chelsea would be a big step up. He would learn from top players and coaches. Like Adam Wharton, who moved from the Championship to Crystal Palace and did well in the Premier League, Hackney could grow into a strong Premier League player. Hackney would need time to adapt to the faster pace of the Premier League.

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The Future of Romeo Lavia

Chelsea’s midfield is already strong with Caicedo and Fernandez. But they need more depth and reliability. Selling Lavia could free up money and squad space. Bringing in Hackney would be a cheaper option compared to big name signings. It fits with Chelsea’s smart transfer strategy under their owners. Middlesbrough manager, Kim Hellberg, will not want to lose Hackney easily. But football is a business, and a good offer from Chelsea could change things.

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Romeo Lavia is a talented player, but his body has let him down too many times. Chelsea must think about the future. Hayden Hackney is doing very well in the Championship and could be a smart and low risk addition. The summer of 2026 will be a crucial window for Chelsea. This time they are focusing to build a team that can challenge for big trophies without constant injury worries.

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Debanjan Mallick

Debanjan Mallick is a Senior Football Writer at Six Sports, delivering expert coverage of football matches, player performances, and tactical developments. With substantial experience in football journalism, he focuses on providing detailed analysis and feature articles that engage readers and offer deeper insights into the sport.

Through his contributions to Six Sports, Debanjan produces comprehensive football content, including match breakdowns, tactical evaluations, and analytical features. His writing blends clarity with expertise, making him a reliable source for fans seeking high-quality football coverage.