Neville lashes out at Chelsea owner Boehly for Lavia move

Jacque Talbot

8 Mar 2024 12:49 CST
3 min read

Mauricio Pochettino, Gary Neville, Chelsea, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has strongly criticised Chelsea for what he perceives as an unnecessary move in acquiring Romeo Lavia from Southampton.

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The pundit had attributed this decision to what he views as Chelsea's inflated 'ego' under the ownership of Todd Boehly, the club’s owner.

In the summer, Chelsea underwent a significant midfield transformation. Players like Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and N'Golo Kante left, while they brought in Moises Caicedo, Lavia, and Lesley Ugochukwu, while Enzo Fernandez joined in the winter window prior for what was then a British-transfer record.

This season, Fernandez, Caicedo, and Conor Gallagher formed the central midfield trio under manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino had expressed an interest in testing Lavia in place of Caicedo at times, but so far he’s only made one appearance for the club.

© IMAGO - Todd Boehly has spent copious amounts at Chelsea

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What did Gary Neville say about Todd Boehly?

In a recent Fan Debate on Sky Sports, Neville raised questions about the rationale behind Chelsea's acquisition of the 20-year-old midfielder.

He said: “They [Chelsea] went and bought Enzo, they go and buy Caicedo and then through their ego they went and bought Lavia on the final day of the transfer window for £54m and then they have to sell Conor Gallagher? They didn’t need Lavia, he’s not even played a game for them anyway.”

Meanwhile, former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit also took aim at the transfers.

“The numbers are crazy in football now,” he said. “Sometimes it is justified, but most of the time it’s not. It’s a sign of how much you want that player and how much you’re willing to pay for them.

“Caicedo signed for Chelsea when he was linked with Liverpool, just like Romeo Lavia. I’m not going to say anything stupid but we all know why they went to Chelsea. Sportingly, the best decision right now would be to go to Liverpool.”

Petit added: “If I am Caicedo or Lavia, I’m going to Liverpool instead of Chelsea because I can’t see a clear plan for what is going on at Chelsea.

“Thirty-five players? Come on. How many players do they need? It’s going to be a nightmare just like what happened last season.”