Liverpool are willing to make a €30 million bid for 19-year-old midfield target Romeo Lavia, which Southampton might reject out of hand.
According to Fichajes, Liverpool is considering making a €30 million bid for top midfield target Romeo Lavia. The figure is way lower than Southampton’s initial asking price, as Jurgen Klopp could continue his push to sign the 19-year-old.
Despite Southamton’s ultimate relegation from the Premier League, Romeo Lavia had a sensational season. The 19-year-old was one of their standout players, and who could have said it was his first full season in the top division?
The 19-year-old has garnered tremendous interest from top Premier League sides, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool. The Reds have intensified their efforts in the last few weeks after massive development with their stars leaving for Saudi Arabia.
Jordan Henderson is close to joining Al Ettifaq, while Fabinho could also move to Al Ittihad imminently. Without even considering the possibility of Thiago Alcantara also departing, Liverpool would need serious reinforcements in the middle, and hence, Klopp has earmarked Lavia to replace the Brazilian.
Southampton had been asking almost double what the report says Liverpool will offer. The Reds are reportedly planning a €30 million bid to convince the Saints, which may be rejected. The Championship side have all the cards in the present scenario and will not lose the 19-year-old cheaply.
Liverpool’s €30 million bid won’t cut it, but they must swiftly decide how to proceed in this particular race. For now, rivals like Arsenal have cooled their interest, but if Mikel Arteta manages a few sales, the Ginners could return quickly.
One of the biggest threats could come from Manchester City, who had been looking for a new midfielder. They failed in pursuing Declan Rice, but Pep Guardiola will still look to add a new player in the deeper midfield role.
Moreover, Man City have a £40 million buyback clause inserted in his Southampton contract, valid from 2024. In the current market, the Premier League champions may have the power to negotiate a similar fee with the Saints to re-sign Lavia ahead of their rivals, particularly Liverpool.
Hence, Klopp and Liverpool must decide how they want to proceed in this chase. Losing Lavia to one of their rivals will come as a bitter blow to their plans. So, Liverpool must make Southampton a reasonable offer close to their asking price.
