Liverpool have reportedly reached an agreement with Southampton for Romeo Lavia, as per a transfer expert, but other details remain unclear.
According to transfer expert Michael Rincon, Liverpool have an agreement in place with Southampton for Romeo Lavia. The 19-year-old had emerged as a key midfield target for Jurgen Klopp, as the Saints had not given a clear rejection of their second offer.
The Romeo Lavia race could eventually go one way towards Merseyside, as Liverpool could edge their rivals for the 19-year-old. The Southampton midfielder emerged as a big target for Jurgen Klopp once it became clear that Jordan Henderson and Fabinho would depart.
Henderson joined Al Ettifaq, while Fabinho is on the cusp of becoming a new Al Ittihad player. Lavia is considered a direct replacement for the latter, with Liverpool losing a midfielder in the key defensive position, something the manager wanted to address quickly.
The chase for Lavia has been far from simple, with Liverpool initially not agreeing to match Southampton’s £50 million valuation. After the Saints rejected their first offer, the Reds made a second offer worth £45 million, including bonuses.
🚨 Digo #CONFIRMADO | 🇧🇪🔜🏴
Romeo #Lavia será nuevo jugador de #Liverpool. Acuerdo alcanzado con el jugador y con #Southampton. 🔴🔴 pic.twitter.com/gl0DvYJ4cV
— Michael Rincón (@MykeRincon) July 29, 2023
Southampton did not give a clear indication about the new bid, but it at least went close to their valuations. Liverpool had accelerated their pursuit of Lavia amid growing pressure due to rival interest.
Chelsea planned to hijack the move after Brighton rejected a fourth bid for Moises Caicedo. However, transfer expert Michael Rincon insists that Liverpool have an agreement with Southampton for Lavia, although the finer details remained unclear.
Arsenal have been linked with the midfielder since the start of the month as well.
Liverpool may have negotiated their way through with that second bid and could pay Southampton around £45 million. If not, they must not have exceeded the £50 million mark for the 19-year-old midfielder. Either way, the Reds are close to the player they want.
The only downside to the report is the corroboration from other sources who have thoroughly followed this case, such as David Ornstein or Fabrizio Romano. If the news is close to being true, we should have the confirmation soon enough.
For now, this news from Michael Rincon will boost the hopes of Liverpool fans, who love the idea of Lavia playing at the base of their midfield. The midfielder, too, remains open to the move, but things can change, with Chelsea also keeping close tabs in a bid to hijack, something they have done well in the past.
