The Southampton midfielder is “one step away” from completing a move to Anfield.
Liverpool are leading the race to sign Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, with the midfielder now just one step away from completing a move to Anfield for a fee of around
€50m (£43m), according to a report from Foot Mercato.
Is Romeo Lavia signing for Liverpool?
Jurgen Klopp has admitted that strengthening in the engine room is one of his priorities during the remainder of the summer transfer window, and he is looking
forward to making some new additions to his squad, saying
“It’s definitely important to strengthen in midfield. We have to do something, that is clear. We are working on solutions.
“First people want changes, now everyone is worrying about the changes. We are really optimistic about it. Excited as well.”
Lavia has emerged as a key target for Liverpool, with The Times reporting they have made a new offer closer to Southampton’s asking price of £50m, having had a
bid of £34m plus £4m in add-ons rejected last week.
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The Reds have been reluctant to fork out £50m for the 19-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea, but the deal now appears to be edging closer
towards completion.
That is according to a report from Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness), which states the deal is now entering its final phase, with a fee in the region of €50m (£43m)
likely to be enough to get it over the line.
Liverpool remain in pole position to sign the youngster, despite the interest from Chelsea, and they are now close to acquiring him, with an agreement currently
being “finalised”. The Southampton gem is now thought to be “one step away” from completing a switch to Anfield, so we may see more movement later this week.
What type of player is Romeo Lavia?
Sports journalist Thomas Hammond has lauded the Belgian as “superb”, while also claiming he “has the signs of a player who can reach the very top”, having
impressed for Southampton last season, particularly in a defensive sense.
The former Manchester City youngster made 29 appearances in the Premier League last term, most commonly featuring in a defensive role, as he has done
throughout his career so far, because he posseses a number of key attributes.
Last season, the youngster topped the charts in the Premier League for tackles, interceptions and shots blocked by U21 players, while he also showcased his ability in
possession of the ball by placing third for key passes.
Following Fabinho’s departure, it is important for Klopp to bring in a like-for-like replacement, and football writer Fraser Spinney believes the two players have
“similar skillsets”, which could help fill the void left in the squad.
Last month, journalist DaveOCKOP claimed it would be “great business” if Liverpool bring in Lavia to replace the Brazilian, considering he is far younger, and it
would essentially be a swap deal, as the Reds managed to receive £40m for Fabinho.
It is exciting news that the move for Lavia is seemingly now edging closer to completion, as he is showing all the signs he could be a fantastic long-term addition to
the squad.
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Liverpool have improved offer to sign Romeo Lavia rejected
Southampton have rejected Liverpool’s improved bid worth £41 million for 19-year-old target Rome Lavia, with the Reds considering alternatives.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have seen Southampton reject their fresh bid for Romeo Lavia. The new offer was worth a reported £41 million, a stark
improvement from their first approach worth £37 million, with the Reds now also considering alternatives.
Since Liverpool entered the Romeo Lavia chase, it felt like the 19-year-old midfielder would join them over any other team. The Merseysiders have been very
particular about their transfer targets over the years under Jurgen Klopp. Even for the Southampton star, they have a certain value in mind.
So far, Liverpool had seen their opening bid worth £37 million rejected by the Saints. The Championship side continues to value the 19-year-old at £50 million,
something the Merseysiders do not intend to pay. They feel the midfielder does not have the required experience and age to warrant that kind of money.
Personal terms are not an issue with Lavia, something they must have agreed in advance. Hence, after much deliberation, Liverpool came back with a new offer
worth £41 million, which was also rejected by the South Coast side. Southampton are adamant about the £50 million price tag and feels confident about it amid
growing interest elsewhere.
Manchester United are also interested in Lavia, as they have the time and space to consider a new midfielder. Chelsea are also in the mix following their struggles
convincing Brighton for Moises Caicedo. Liverpool are aware of the growing interest, so they accelerated their pursuit and lodged the new offer.
Liverpool might consider alternatives if they cannot convince Southampton to lower their valuations. They already have Fluminense’s Andre in their sights and could make a compelling offer to land the Brazilian.
They must bring reinforcements with the loss of many midfielders this summer. Lavia’s viewed as the ideal candidate to replace Fabinho, who, alongside Jordan Henderson, left for Saudi Arabia. Hence, signing the 19-year-old seems vital for Klopp, but there are doubts about whether they will exceed their valuation of the Belgian.
Hence, the potential deal could have reached its edge. There are question marks whether Liverpool will make another offer shortly. It could open the doors for rivals Chelsea or Manchester United to comply with Southampton’s demands and make their offers.
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