Plenty of staff at Liverpool think Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia could be an ideal signing this summer.
Lavia could potentially be on the market following Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League. And covering his current situation, GOAL outline what the future may now look like for the 19-year-old.
They claim that big English clubs are indeed ‘queuing up’ to sign Lavia, with Liverpool reportedly among them. Chelsea and former club Manchester City are the other teams named as having the Belgian ‘on their radar’ ahead of the transfer window. City have a £40m buy-back clause which comes into effect in summer 2024.
In terms of Liverpool, it’s claimed that the Reds are ‘aware of Lavia’s progress.’ To that end, staff are reportedly convinced that the youngster can be a quality addition ‘both now and in the future.’
It’s also suggested that a good performance against Liverpool for Saints this weekend could enhance his prospect of a move to Anfield.
Liverpool considering Lavia addition
As they plot their summer window, Liverpool will be wary of a couple of key things.
Firstly, they know that they need one, two or even three players who can come straight into their starting XI. They can’t afford to be messing around with ‘project players’ or those who are yet to realise their potential. Jurgen Klopp needs an injection of top quality straight into his best team.
Secondly, as usual, they will be cautious of overpaying for talent. By now, most of world football will know just how desperate Liverpool are for new midfielders. They can’t let themselves be taken for a ride on that basis.
Not quite top of Liverpool’s list
So, where does Lavia fit in with these factors? Well, on the first point, obviously not too well. He may have all the talent in the world, but the Belgium international has also been a big part of a side who have just gone down with a whimper.
City may have been slightly disappointed to let him go last summer, but they let him go all the same. Lavia clearly has big potential, but he doesn’t go straight into this Liverpool team.
In terms of price though, this may be where the youngster gets his reprieve. Given there’s a clause in his contract for next summer, and that he’s now a Championship player, you wouldn’t think Lavia would be going for too much more than the £40m City can sign him for in a year’s time.
Given his age, potential and the way the market’s going right now, that isn’t a bad price at all.
So, all-in-all, if Lavia is brought in for a good price as a third midfield signing this summer, we can see the sense in it. But as on of the main two, we think there are better options out there.
