{"id":10595,"date":"2026-05-19T12:31:36","date_gmt":"2026-05-19T12:31:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=10595"},"modified":"2026-05-19T12:31:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T12:31:36","slug":"romeo-lavia-at-risk-as-chelsea-explore-new-midfielder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=10595","title":{"rendered":"Romeo Lavia at risk as Chelsea explore new midfielder"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"content-main\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--post-header--><\/p>\n<div id=\"post-feat-img\" class=\"left relative\" itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image ewww_webp_lazy_load\" alt=\"Chelsea\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-156.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-156-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-156-768x432.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-156.jpg\" src-webp=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-156.jpg.webp\" srcset-webp=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-156.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-156-600x338.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-156-768x432.jpg.webp 768w\"\/><img width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-156.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Chelsea\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-156.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-156-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-156-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-156.jpg\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"1200\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"675\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--post-feat-text--><\/p><\/div>\n<p><!--post-feat-img--><\/p>\n<section class=\"social-sharing-top\">\n<p><span class=\"fb-but1\"><i class=\"fa-brands fa-facebook-f\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" onclick=\"window.open('http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=Romeo Lavia at risk as Chelsea explore new midfielder -&amp;url=https:\/\/sixsports.in\/romeo-lavia-at-risk-as-chelsea-explore-new-midfielder\/', 'twitterShare', 'width=626,height=436'); return false;\" title=\"Share This Post\"><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"twitter-but1\"><i class=\"fa-brands fa-x-twitter\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"whatsapp-but1\"><i class=\"fa fa-whatsapp fa-2\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"pinterest-but1\"><i class=\"fa-brands fa-pinterest-p\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"email-but\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-2\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Email<\/span><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p><!--social-sharing-top--><\/p>\n<div class=\"sx-entity-card\">\n<div class=\"sx-entity-top\">\n<div class=\"sx-entity-logo\">\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/chelsea_fc_logo-1.avif\" alt=\"CHELSEA\"\/>\n            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"sx-entity-description\">\n<p>            Chelsea is one of England\u2019s premier football clubs, competing in the Premier League and European competitions such as the UEFA Champions League. Known for its strong squad, tactical versatility, and competitive history, Chelsea has won multiple league titles, domestic cups,\u2026            <a class=\"sx-entity-readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/team\/chelsea\/\"><br \/>\n                Read More about CHELSEA\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>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\u2019s Hayden Hackney from the Championship as a possible replacement.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-injury-problem-of-lavia-at-chelsea\">The Injury Problem of Lavia at Chelsea<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Chelsea<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Romeo Lavia&#8217;s PL stats, as per FOTMOB:<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Matches<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Minutes Played<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Goals <\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Assists<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Passes %<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Duels Won<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Blocks<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Chances Created<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">12<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">382<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">0<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">0<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">93%<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">22<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">5<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong><em>READ MORE: Moises Caicedo cleared in shock FIFA World Cup twist<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hayden-hackney-as-a-replacement-of-romeo-lavia\">Hayden Hackney as A Replacement of Romeo Lavia<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Middlesbrough fans love him, and if the team does not get promoted to the <strong>Premier League<\/strong>it 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Hayden Hackney\u2019s stats,<\/strong> <strong>as per Transfermarkt<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Competition<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Appearances<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Goals <\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Assists<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Championship<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">28<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">5<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>All Competition<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">40<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">6<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong>According to The Chelsea Chronicle<\/strong>moving 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>READ MORE: Cole Palmer snub as United drop \u00a390m move exit<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-202692\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-115.webp 1200w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-115-600x338.webp 600w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-115-768x432.webp 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-115.webp\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-115.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-202692\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-115.webp 1200w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-115-600x338.webp 600w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-115-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-future-of-romeo-lavia\">The Future of Romeo Lavia<\/h2>\n<p>Chelsea\u2019s 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\u2019s smart transfer strategy under their owners. Middlesbrough manager, Kim Hellberg, will not want to lose Hackney easily. But <strong>football<\/strong> is a business, and a good offer from Chelsea could change things.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>READ MORE: Joao Pedro transfer talks explode after Barca decision<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<div class=\"preferred-source-box\" style=\"margin-top:40px;padding:25px;background: #1865b4;border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:24px;margin-bottom:10px;color:#fff;\">ENJOYED THIS STORY?<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px;margin-bottom:20px;color:#fff;\">\n<p>                    Add Six Sports as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting\n                <\/p>\n<p>                    <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Add as a preferred source on Google\" style=\"max-width:260px;height:auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goal.com\/img\/google-trusted-source\/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goal.com\/img\/google-trusted-source\/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x.webp\" alt=\"Add as a preferred source on Google\" style=\"max-width:260px;height:auto;\"\/><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"after-article-links\" style=\"margin-top:20px; font-size:14px;\">Follow the latest updates from <strong>Premier League<\/strong>, <strong>The League<\/strong> and<br \/>\n        <strong>Champions League<\/strong>or explore more<br \/>\n        <strong>Football<\/strong> stories, <strong>Football Teams<\/strong> &#038; <strong>All Football Competitions<\/strong> . Follow more updates on CHELSEA. You can also check <strong>Latest Sports News<\/strong> or visit <strong>Six Sports<\/strong> for more Football updates.<\/div>\n<div class=\"fe-author-box\" itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\">\n<div class=\"fe-author-avatar\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b698e6d21fab58b34665a1c31d912595a976d89d14d8de0c868d4f1a8f9f9906?s=200&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g 2x\" class=\"avatar avatar-100 photo\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b698e6d21fab58b34665a1c31d912595a976d89d14d8de0c868d4f1a8f9f9906?s=100&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b698e6d21fab58b34665a1c31d912595a976d89d14d8de0c868d4f1a8f9f9906?s=100&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b698e6d21fab58b34665a1c31d912595a976d89d14d8de0c868d4f1a8f9f9906?s=200&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g 2x\" class=\"avatar avatar-100 photo\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" decoding=\"async\"\/>    <\/div>\n<div class=\"fe-author-content\">\n<h2 class=\"fe-author-name\" itemprop=\"name\">\n<p>                Debanjan Mallick<br \/>\n        <\/h2>\n<p class=\"fe-author-bio\" itemprop=\"description\">\n<p>                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.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nThrough 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.            <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mvp-org-wrap\" itemprop=\"publisher\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Organization\">\n<div class=\"mvp-org-logo\" itemprop=\"logo\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"145\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Six-Sports.png\" src-webp=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Six-Sports.png.webp\" class=\"ewww_webp_lazy_load\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"145\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Six-Sports.png\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Six-Sports.png\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><!--mvp-org-logo--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Six Sports\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><!--mvp-org-wrap--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--posts-nav-link--><\/p>\n<div class=\"mentioned-article-block\">\n<h3 class=\"mentioned-title\">Mentioned in this Article<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--comments-button--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--comments-->\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Share Share Share Share Email Chelsea is one of England\u2019s premier football clubs, competing in&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10596,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10595","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chelsea"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10595","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10595"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10595\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10596"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10595"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10595"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10595"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}