If Liverpool is unsuccessful in acquiring Manu Kone from Borussia Monchengladbach and Nice’s Khephren Thuram, they are reportedly prepared to make a bid for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.
Romeo Lavia departs Southampton, right?
The Belgian international has drawn interest since his former team was demoted because he was their second-best defensive performer the previous season. Jurgen Klopp is one of the managers who is eager to sign him.
The Reds have contacted the 19-year-old’s representatives, but according to journalist David Lynch writing in his column for Football Insider, they need confirmation that he only wants to move to Anfield over Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Merseyside team has been linked with Thuram and Kone as their next two potential targets after signing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Hove Albion. However, if the hierarchy is unable to secure the pair’s signing, FSG has already decided where they will focus their attention.
Liverpool is acquiring Lavia.
The Transfer Room claims that Liverpool have “watched” Lavia for a “long time” and that their new transfer manager Jorg Schmadtke is prepared to “approach” Southampton with a “reasonable offer” should they fail to secure Thuram and Kone. The St. Mary’s midfielder is “keen” to return to the Premier League, and the south coast club “won’t stand in his way” if they receive an offer of about £40 million to leave. It’s important to remember, though, that the board “will not act on their interest” in Lavia should the two preferred candidates join.
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Should FSG make a Lavia bid?
Lavia, who is only 19 years old, is still very much in the early stages of his career, but FSG could test the waters to see if an agreement can be reached because he has so much potential and has already been called a “diamond” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
According to FBRef, the Elite Project Group client, who is sponsored by Adidas, is much stronger in the natural defensive midfield aspect of his game. Last season, he won 35 tackles, which was the second-highest success rate in his squad, and ranked in the 96th percentile for blocks.
For a player as well-rounded as Lavia, Klopp would be gaining an exciting midfielder for the future. Lavia, who is versatile enough to operate a little higher up in the centre of the park, can occasionally contribute to efforts in the final third after recording one goal and one assist apiece in a truly disastrous Saints side.
