Liverpool have reportedly contacted Southampton over a deal for midfielder Romeo Lavia. The Reds have completed the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton—their only acquisition of the summer transfer window so far.
With the club set for a huge rebuild over the summer, Jurgen Klopp is eager to draft in further reinforcements. According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have joined the transfer race for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.
Lavia, 19, has impressed for Southampton since leaving Manchester City last summer. The Belgian midfielder was one of the rare bright spots in an otherwise dismal 2022-23 campaign for the Saints, racking up 34 appearances in all competitions. Nonetheless, the teenager’s solid individual displays have caught the attention of several top English clubs.
Understand Liverpool asked conditions of Roméo Lavia deal, they’re in the race. Arsenal, working on this deal for 15 days — no official bid from both clubs yet. 🚨🇧🇪 #LFC
Man Utd and Chelsea, monitoring the situation but not in active talks yet.
🎥 More: https://t.co/TwNvVKW9eC pic.twitter.com/bLpMkL7G5y
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 26, 2023
Arsenal have a strong interest in Lavia and have been working on a deal over the last two weeks, but no official bid has been tabled yet. Manchester United and Chelsea are also monitoring his situation at Southampton, as per Romano.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have a £40million buy-back clause for the 19-year-old midfielder in their deal with Southampton, but this will only become active next summer.
Romeo Lavia to Liverpool – A smart long-term investment?
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is in the transfer market for midfield recruits this summer as he prepares for a hectic Europa League schedule next term. Having allowed the likes of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita to leave upon the expiry of their contracts earlier this month, Klopp is thought to want to add two midfielders on top of his summer’s first recruit Alexis Mac Allister.
Southampton’s Romeo Lavia is one of the many names linked with a move to Anfield. Lavia has caught the eye at St. Mary’s Stadium since making the switch from Manchester City, impressing with his composure on the ball, passing range, tenacity, strength to hold off opposition players and his defensive qualities.
The Belgian is an exciting talent to watch in the Premier League, and he could undoubtedly be a fine option to bolster Liverpool’s midfield unit. With his ability to read the danger and cut out attacks as well, Lavia would make the Reds more difficult for the opponents to break down.
A young player of Lavia’s quality and potential should not be playing in the Championship, especially given how he shone in a mediocre Southampton side last term.
At 19, the ex-Manchester City academy star still has plenty of time to improve and he could unlock his potential under the watchful eyes of Klopp if a move to Liverpool goes through. A move away from Southampton seems inevitable, but Liverpool have their work cut out in their chase for Lavia, especially with other Premier League clubs vying for his signature.
The Reds have had massive success signing players for value from relegated teams over the years, and Lavia could join that list should they get him.