Romeo Lavia wasn’t initially on Liverpool’s list of priority targets heading into the summer transfer window.
Lavia has emerged as the Reds number one choice to replace Fabinho in the defensive midfield position. With a first bid rejected by Southampton, Liverpool are set to come back with another.
But according to the Liverpool Echo, Jurgen Klopp hadn’t actually planned on bringing the 19-year-old to Anfield quite so soon.
They claim that although Lavia had been ‘on the radar’ for a while, he was more of a long-term target. Interestingly, it’s reported that the Belgian had indeed been earmarked as a potential successor to Fabinho.
As it turns out though, Lavia could be filling the Brazilian’s boots a lot sooner than expected. The Echo claim that Liverpool are now preparing an offer to Southampton which will be nearer their £50m asking price.
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With plans to sign Lavia ‘accelerated,’ the teenager is now said to be Liverpool’s top target for the remainder of the window. Well, if you’re going to push any signing ahead of time, it may as well be on a player Pep Guardiola has called ‘incredible’ [mancity.com].
Liverpool accelerate Lavia interest
This is an interesting little titbit that speaks to just how in the lurch Liverpool could now find themselves.
They already knew they had a lot of work on to rescue their midfield situation this summer. But having brought in Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister in time for the start of pre-season, they had every right to be pleased with themselves.
Arguably, the Reds would have needed to bring in another body without any existing player exits, but they were well on their way. Then, came the unexpected sucker punch of the loss of two stalwarts.
The departures of both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson aren’t necessarily a bad thing for Liverpool. Both players had shown signs that their best days were well and truly behind them last year.
Nevertheless, it does mean that Klopp has lost five midfielders from his squad of last season. With only two brought in, there’s work now to be done.
It will be fascinating to see whether Liverpool do any further business this summer. Despite the exits, the arrival of Lavia would mean they have seven senior midfielders at the club.
On paper, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Lavia, Thiago, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic looks like a very good cohort. But with several of those players still in their formative years, and with four competitions and injuries to consider, the Reds could be a little light.
As the twists of this window have shown, it may also be a good idea to plan for Thiago leaving at the end of his contract next year. Plenty to think about. Let’s get Lavia boxed off and then see where we are.