Romeo Lavia on Enzo exit: 'His departure gave me a more prominent role'
Synopsis
Romeo Lavia has stepped out of the shadows at Stamford Bridge. With Enzo Fernandez gone to Manchester City, the 19-year-old Belgian is openly embracing the tempo-controlling role that eluded him — and says a summer of mental and physical work has him ready to own it.
Key Takeaways
Romeo Lavia says Enzo Fernandez's departure to Manchester City has given him a more prominent midfield role at Chelsea .
Fernandez made 170 appearances and scored 31 goals for Chelsea after joining in 2022 .
Lavia, 19 , signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge after joining from Southampton .
He described his mandate as controlling tempo, linking play, and contributing in both phases of the game.
Chelsea face Manchester United on Saturday in a top-four race clash in the Premier League .
Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia has opened up about the shifting midfield dynamic at Stamford Bridge following Enzo Fernandez's departure, saying the change handed him the elevated role he had long been working towards. Lavia made the remarks in an interview on JioStar.
Enzo's Exit and What It Changed
Fernandez, who joined Chelsea in 2022, completed a permanent transfer to fellow Premier League side Manchester City last month. The Argentine international made 170 appearances at Stamford Bridge, scoring 31 goals across his stint with the club.
'When a player like Enzo Fernandez leaves the club, it changes things for everyone. He was a big part of this team, and you do not replace that overnight. But in football, when one door closes, another one opens. His departure has given me a more prominent role in the midfield, and it is a role I have been working towards,' Lavia said.
Lavia's New Mandate at Chelsea
The Belgian midfielder, who signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge after joining from Southampton, described the precise expectations now placed on him in the engine room. 'I have to be the one who controls the tempo, link the play, and help the team in both phases of the game. It is a challenge I am really enjoying,' he said.
Lavia was emphatic that his aim is not to fill Fernandez's boots. 'I am not here to replace anyone. I am here to do my job for Chelsea and give everything for this badge. The fans want to see commitment, and that is what I will always give them,' he added.
Mindset, Development and the 'Bubble' Approach
Lavia also reflected on his personal growth since arriving at the club, crediting an intensive summer of work with staff and teammates for his improved form and mental clarity. 'It feels special to become a key midfielder for the club after developing into an experienced player, and it feels different because I'm in a different mindset or state of mind,' he said.
The 19-year-old described a collective effort to build resilience. 'We've done a lot of work over the summer, with all the people at the club, to make sure that we could get everything that's happened before behind me,' he said. He added that the support network around him — teammates, staff, and those close to him outside football — had helped create a focused environment. 'We've been able to create a bubble where you just concentrate on what you can control, and then everything will come back to normal.'
Chelsea vs Manchester United on the Horizon
Lavia's comments come ahead of a high-stakes Premier League clash between Chelsea and Manchester United on Saturday. The Blues are pushing for a top-four finish, while United are eager to climb the table. With a settled midfield identity now forming around Lavia, Chelsea's coach will be hoping continuity translates into results.
Point of View
But the real question is whether Chelsea have a plan or simply a vacancy. Enzo Fernandez was a box-to-box force whose 170 appearances anchored the club's midfield for three seasons; handing responsibility to a 19-year-old by default is not the same as a deliberate succession plan. The 'bubble' mentality Lavia describes sounds like a coping mechanism as much as a confidence builder. Chelsea's top-four ambitions will depend on whether his development is genuinely accelerating or whether the club is papering over a structural gap with positive framing.
NationPress
27 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Romeo Lavia get a more prominent role at Chelsea?
Romeo Lavia's expanded role came after Enzo Fernandez completed a permanent transfer to Manchester City last month, leaving a significant gap in Chelsea's midfield. Lavia said the departure opened the door for him to take on greater responsibility in controlling tempo and linking play.
Where did Enzo Fernandez go after leaving Chelsea?
Enzo Fernandez completed a permanent transfer to Premier League rivals Manchester City last month. The Argentine had made 170 appearances and scored 31 goals for Chelsea after joining the club in 2022.
How long is Romeo Lavia's contract at Chelsea?
Romeo Lavia signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge when he joined Chelsea from Southampton. The Belgian midfielder was 19 at the time of signing.
What role does Romeo Lavia play at Chelsea?
Lavia describes his role as controlling the tempo of play, linking the team's phases of attack and defence, and providing consistency in the centre of midfield. He has said the manager has shown faith in him to carry those responsibilities.
When do Chelsea play Manchester United next?
Chelsea face Manchester United on Saturday in a Premier League fixture. Chelsea are targeting a top-four finish, while Manchester United are looking to move up the standings.
