According to a report from The Independent, Manchester United have seemingly joined the race to sign Romeo Lavia, who has been a top target for Liverpool for the entirety of this transfer window.
As Jurgen Klopp’s bid for the Southampton teenager falters, Man United are contemplating the possibility of outbidding the Reds in the race to secure the young talent. This competition for Lavia’s signature is a significant factor contributing to the inflated 2023 summer transfer market.
Lavia’s Remarkable Performances In The Premier League Last Season
Lavia demonstrated impressive performance during his time at Southampton, consistently delivering strong displays in the midfield. Despite the team’s inability to maintain their Premier League status, the young Belgian showcased his talent throughout the season. Making 35 appearances for Southampton, Lavia contributed with one goal and one assist across all competitions.
Playing a pivotal role in the centre of the park, the 19-year-old displayed his abilities by averaging 2.1 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 0.8 clearances, 0.6 key passes, and 1.0 dribbles per game in the Premier League. Additionally, his passing accuracy was remarkable, completing 86.4% of his attempted passes in the top tier of English football, according to statistics from Whoscored.
What Will He Bring To Manchester United?
At just 19 years old, Lavia has demonstrated an exceptional understanding of defensive duties. Positioned predominantly as a central midfielder, he has showcased his ability to break up opposition plays, make timely tackles, and intercept passes.
His commanding presence in the heart of the field often disrupts opponents’ attacks, making him an indispensable asset to any team. While his defensive attributes are impressive, Lavia’s vision and precision passing make him a dynamic all-around midfielder.
Lavia’s versatility adds to his allure as a top prospect. Though primarily deployed as a central midfielder, he is comfortable playing in various positions across the midfield. His adaptability allows managers to use him effectively in different tactical setups. Whether deployed as a defensive anchor, box-to-box midfielder, or even in an advanced role, Lavia has shown the capacity to excel in various positions.
Additionally, his composure in front of the net and clinical finishing skills have seen him contribute crucial goals for Southampton. A midfielder with a goal-scoring instinct is a prized asset in modern football. Therefore, it is imperative for the Red Devils to pursue Romeo Lavia if they can match Southampton’s £50 million valuation and outbid Liverpool. Acquiring him would strengthen their squad and represent a significant long-term investment for Manchester United at Old Trafford.
