Former Chelsea midfielder Chris Sutton has shared his shock at Liverpool target Romeo Lavia snubbing the Reds in order to force through a move to Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
It was reported by Jacob Steinburg on Monday that Liverpool had agreed a fee with Southampton for the transfer of the young Belgian midfielder, however, the youngster soon opted for Chelsea instead once the Blues made their offer.
Although nothing is official as of yet, Lavia is expected to complete his Stamford Bridge switch imminently.
Speaking on The Monday Night Club, Sutton stated he could not understand why the midfielder had snubbed Jurgen Klopp’s side.
“Lavia is an interesting one,” said the one-time England international.
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“I cannot understand why Lavia didn’t go to Liverpool, especially with [Moises] Caicedo going in at Chelsea.
“I suspect he will be cover as much as anything, Pochettino will want strength in depth but if Liverpool had come in for him – as they have done – there is a gaping hole in Liverpool’s midfield which would suit him.
“I don’t really understand why he is going to end up at Chelsea.”
Sutton likely echoes the thoughts of most Reds supporters in regards to this deal. It certainly was not the end to this transfer sage that fans were expecting or hoping for.
Lavia’s choice now means that Klopp has to look elsewhere to fill the gap in midfield left by departed duo Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
If not Lavia, then who?
Real Madrid pair Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde have been linked, with reports suggesting that Liverpool have enquired about the availability of both players, whereas Fluminense midfielder Andre Trindade is another whose name continues to float around Anfield.
It has been a frustrating summer for the Reds having missed out on both Caicedo and Lavia to Chelsea, and with just over two weeks left of the transfer window it is now up to Klopp to act quickly and find a suitable addition.
Movement is expected in what is set to be a hectic period at Anfield in the coming days.