Liverpool will reportedly consider making a move for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia should Fabinho leave Anfield in the ongoing summer transfer window.
Fabinho, 30, could be the next big-name Liverpool star to head to Saudi Arabia, with Roberto Firmino already doing so earlier in the summer transfer window. Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad are interested in the Brazilian international and will ramp up their pursuit with an opening £40m offer which the Reds will consider accepting.
According to The Athletic, Romeo Lavia is among a number of options under consideration from Liverpool to potentially replace Fabinho, although the Merseyside outfit could face competition from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea for the Southampton teenager’s signature.
Lavia, 19, has enjoyed an impressive debut Premier League campaign, despite Southampton’s relegation from the top flight. He was a mainstay in the south coast side’s midfield, scoring a goal in 29 Premier League appearances.
While there is interest from other top Premier League clubs, Liverpool appear to be leading the race for the Belgian midfielder’s signature, the report adds.
Romeo Lavia to Liverpool—Should the Reds table an offer?
Jurgen Klopp’s revamp of Liverpool’s midfield has already commenced with the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai for a combined outlay of £105m. Yet, the feeling at the club is that another player should be brought in to further reinforce the engine room, especially after Klopp waved goodbye to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita upon the expiry of their contracts in June.
Freshly, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have sparked bids from Saudi Arabia, who have not shied away from flexing their financial muscle this summer transfer window. Al-Ittihad are about to propose an eye-catching £40million bid for Fabinho. Simultaneously, Steven Gerrard—having taken over the managerial reins of Al-Ettifaq—is trying to lure Henderson away from Anfield.
Southampton’s Romeo Lavia has emerged as Liverpool’s prime midfield prospect to replace either one of Fabinho or Henderson, as negotiations with the Saudi clubs over their departures continue. The 19-year-old, following his switch from Manchester City to Southampton last summer, has ascended to fame in the Premier League following a solid debut season.
During his debut season with the Saints, he has shown glimpses of his potential that has roused interest from many Premier League clubs. Lavia is a talented, young midfielder who will add legs, tenacity and youthful exuberance to the Reds’ midfield. He is an out-and-out No.6 and would be perfect to replace the wantaway Fabinho. Having already signed Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in a bid to build a new-look midfield, the potential addition of Lavia would bring more excitement and fervour among the Liverpool fans.
Southampton are understood to value Lavia at a minimum £40m, but with the player keen on staying in the Premier League and having apparently agreed personal terms with Liverpool, there remains a great possibility for the Reds to close a deal below the Saints’ current valuation of the player.
