According to a report from Mirror, Liverpool have presented an improved bid for Romeo Lavia; however, it is anticipated to face rejection from Southampton. Lavia has emerged as the Reds’ top target in their pursuit to acquire a new defensive midfielder, seeking to replace Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
Despite Southampton having already turned down a prior bid for their prized midfielder, who only joined last summer, Liverpool remain undeterred. Multiple reports suggest that the Reds submitted a fresh offer of £42 million on Tuesday.
Nevertheless, it is still anticipated that the offer will be turned down, as Southampton is demanding a fee of £50 million. Negotiations between the two clubs continue, and Lavia remains keen on a move to Anfield this summer.
Lavia’s Amazing Campaign With Southampton Last Season
Throughout his time at Southampton, Lavia delivered outstanding performances, consistently showcasing his midfield prowess. Despite Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League, the young Belgian’s talent shone brightly throughout the season. Featuring in 35 matches for the team, Lavia made significant contributions, registering one goal and one assist across all competitions.
Operating as a pivotal figure in the heart of the field, the 19-year-old exhibited his capabilities 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. Notably, his passing accuracy was exceptional, with a completion rate of 86.4% of attempted passes in the top tier of English football, as reported by statistics from Whoscored.
Should Liverpool Boss Jurgen Klopp Look For Other Alternatives?
Lavia exhibits commanding tackling skills and well-timed challenges in the midfield, making him a formidable force against opponents, capable of disrupting their play. His ability to clear danger and make crucial interceptions adds to his defensive prowess. Furthermore, the Belgian midfielder displays proficiency in passing and can execute dynamic runs from the heart of the pitch.
Bringing Lavia to Anfield would undoubtedly infuse renewed energy and depth into Jurgen Klopp’s midfield options. At just 19 years old, Lavia has the potential to play a pivotal role in Liverpool’s pursuit of major honours in the coming decade. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that while he shows great promise, he may not provide an immediate solution to the underlying midfield issues prompting the club’s revamp in that area. Therefore, Jurgen Klopp should explore other alternatives, as paying £50 million may not be justified for a young player.
Liverpool needs to bring in someone who can effectively fill the void left by Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, ensuring the team maintains a strong midfield presence. Klopp should carefully consider all available options to bolster the team’s midfield and ensure its competitiveness in various competitions.
