Former Manchester United captain, Gary Neville, has criticized Chelsea for their decision to sign midfielder Romeo Lavia during the last summer transfer window. Neville argued that the Blues did not actually need to acquire the Belgian player.

In a controversial statement on The Overlap, Neville expressed his disapproval of Chelsea’s transfer strategy, particularly their signing of Lavia from Southampton for a hefty fee of £53 million plus add-ons in the summer of 2023. He pointed out that Chelsea already had Enzo and Caicedo in their squad, questioning the necessity of adding Lavia to the mix.

Neville went on to highlight what he perceived as a lack of logic in Chelsea’s transfer dealings, suggesting that their decision to bring in Lavia was driven more by ego than actual team requirements. He also raised the issue of Chelsea subsequently having to sell Conor Gallagher to balance the squad.

According to Neville, Lavia has yet to make an appearance for Chelsea, further emphasizing his belief that the signing was unnecessary. The former footballer’s comments have sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning Chelsea’s transfer policy and the rationale behind certain acquisitions.

As the football world continues to dissect Chelsea’s transfer decisions, Neville’s critique serves as a reminder of the complexities and controversies that surround the business side of the sport. Whether Chelsea’s gamble on Lavia will pay off remains to be seen, but Neville’s outspoken views have certainly added fuel to the ongoing discussion.