‘As it is…’ – Journalist rejects Liverpool’s promising £40m summer move for star
Liverpool are the “closest” to signing Southampton young prodigy Romeo Lavia this summer, according to a Belgian journalist.
Sacha Tavolieri analyzed the 19-year-old on The Redmen TV’s Transfer Insight, insisting he is certain to leave St Mary’s following Saints’ Premier League relegation.
The Merseyside club, who now appear best placed to give the teenager a fresh start in the top flight, have met with the midfielder’s agent, a transfer insider previously told the LFC Transfer Room last week.
Last year, Manchester City added a £40m buy-back clause to sell Lavia to the south coast. However, this clause doesn’t come into effect until 2024 (Fabrizio Romano) and it looks like they might not use it.
Tavolieri said about the Belgian during the “Transfer Insight” show. “He is one of the big players who has shown his talent and ability this season, so in the Championship he will not be part of Southampton’s project, I can assure you. .
“As it is, Liverpool is the closest club [to signing Lavia]At this point, there is no real indication from Guardiola that he wants to return. Looks like the people of Manchester are waiting to see what happens [Ilkay] Gundogan before they decide what they want to do with Lavia.”
The Belgium international has been a rare spark in a truly dismal season for Southampton, standing out as one of the best players at the relegated club.
He averages two tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game as a defensive midfielder for the Saints, according to WhoScored, and also proves to be a tough competitor on the ball, committing 1.7 fouls per game.
He has also started 24 Premier League games this season, amassing valuable top-flight experience that could help him stay in the division even if the current squad doesn’t.
However, whether Liverpool would pay £40m for a player who only has a one-season senior extension is questionable, especially with the Reds so heavily linked with other, more proven campaigners such as Alexis McAllister , Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte.
In addition, Lavia’s arrival at Anfield could hurt the progress of Stefan Bajcetic, who was a regular before his season-ending injury, but could find it harder to break into the team if the Belgian signs from Southampton, especially if other midfielders. are also recruited.
Still, Jurgen Klopp would get a precocious youngster for the Saints, and Tavolieri’s upgrade shows promise in that regard.