Liverpool looks to be targeting the Belgian midfielder in Romeo Lavia, who is likely to be leaving Southampton after being relegated from the Premier League.
Liverpool were also recently interested in fellow Saints player, Ward-Prowse. Klopp has now turned his attention towards the 19-year-old.
His performances this season have raised a few eyebrows even though the Saints weren’t good enough. Lavia is surely good enough to be in Klopp’s starting XI and cement his place there.
Liverpool ‘closest’ to signing Lavia?
As per Belgian football journalist Sascha Tavolieri, Liverpool are the “closest” club to signing Southampton star Romeo Lavia.
“Yes [he will leave the club], he is one of the big players who has shown his talents and abilities this season, so he won’t be part of the project of Southampton in the Championship, that I can assure you.
As it stands Liverpool are the closest club [to signing Lavia], at the moment there’s no real sign from Guardiola that he wants him back. It looks like Manchester are waiting to see what happens with Gündogan before they decide what they want to do with Lavia.”
Lavia arrived at Southampton aged 18, only having made 2 senior team appearances for Pep’s team. He has quickly blossomed into one of the Premier League’s brightest young stars.
The Champions, Manchester City have a £40m buy-back option on Lavia which becomes active in 2024. However, Southampton are keen to sell him for a potentially higher price this summer.
With PL clubs like Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle interested in Lavia, the Saints could get a few million Euros more.
Moreover, Lavia earned his first senior cap for Belgium during the March international window. He came off the bench for the final 10 minutes of their 3-2 win away at Germany.
Would the Belgian be a good signing for Liverpool?
After confirming that many of their midfielders would be leaving the club this summer, the Reds have a task in their hands to replace them or bring in better players.
The Merseysiders have been linked to a number of midfielders like Mount, Mac Allister, and a few others. However, their interest in Lavia has just emerged and many reported that Liverpool are very much likely to sign the 19-year-old.
The Belgian has over 27 PL appearances and has been hailed to be ‘incredible’ by his former boss, Pep. He has tallied up an 86% pass completion rate and scored one goal while successfully completing 68% of his dribbles.
Lavia has also made 1.1 interceptions, two tackles, and won five duels won per game. Despite Southampton’s plight, he has been a consistent and hard-working player. He is effective in both winning and retaining possession of the ball.
Indeed, the signing of Lavia is a great opportunity to bring in an ‘incredible’ talent. He could be an alternative for Bellingham who can grow into an important role in the future of Liverpool’s midfield.
I’m a football enthusiast and an avid writer and someone who lives by the Bill Shankly quote, on a day to day basis.
