Romeo Lavia makes sense as Liverpool’s next acquisition for these 5 reasons.

Romeo Lavia has emerged as a strong contender to become Liverpool’s third midfield signing this summer and has all the requirements to be a success at Anfield.

The Southampton midfielder appears to be The Reds’ next priority, with reports indicating that the pursuits of Khephren Thuram, Ryan Gravenberch and Gabri Veiga are coming to an end.

Jurgen Klopp has already added Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to his ranks ahead of the new season as he tries to rebuild his options in midfield after a disappointing 2022-23.

No sooner had Szoboszlai been revealed as a Liverpool player, attention soon turned to what was next in the middle of the park.
We look at some of the key factors that make Lavia the next logical step for the Reds. Set defensively

Defensive minded

Of all Liverpool’s highly touted midfield targets this summer, Lavia is perhaps the most natural defensive option.

The signings of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai will no doubt strengthen the No.8 position, but the Reds could certainly use an additional option to move up front of the defence.

Klopp’s switch to a 3-4-3 formation towards the end of last season saw a positive improvement in form and results, but the Reds could lack the manpower to fill the two defensive spots in the middle of pitch if the manager persists in form.

Lavia provides Liverpool with an ideal fit on the left side of defensive midfield and his profile could make him the ideal replacement for Fabinho as he has time to eventually become first-choice.

Age on his side

Aged just 19, Lavia could be set to become a top talent and catching him now could start that process for Liverpool.

He is capable of competing with the best midfielders and will only improve further under Klopp’s guidance, which makes him an exciting candidate for the fans. His age also means there is little pressure on him to make an immediate impact and break into the squad straight away, with more focus of course on the progress of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai.

Fabinho’s current contract runs until 2026, meaning the manager could have a perfect replacement ready if the club look to collect a fee for the Brazilian next summer.

Premier League experience

His time at Southampton will serve him well for a move to Liverpool and give him an edge over the likes of Thuram, Gravenberch and Veiga.
We have seen on numerous occasions how difficult it is to adjust to physical football in England and Lavia’s position is one that leaves little room for error against top-flight sides.

The youngster has been a shining light in an ultimately dire campaign for Saints and, even at his young age, he’s too good a player to spend a season in the Championship.

Reports at the top of the window suggested Premier League experience was a priority for the Reds, and although we’ve drifted slightly away from that position in recent weeks, it will certainly be a factor.

Stopping a Manchester City reunion?

A more subtle perk of getting the Belgian’s services could be that it would prevent him from returning to the Etihad next summer.

Manchester City currently have a buy-back clause worth around £40m which will be activated in 2024, meaning they will be able to buy back the player they sold to Southampton a year ago.

If he continues to impress over the next 12 months, the teenager will almost certainly pique the interest of Pep Guardiola’s side, but if they secure the signing of him this window, that option would be out of the question.

Never a bad thing!

Our answer

Finally, Lavia would be a tick in the box for the seemingly endless question surrounding Liverpool’s share. The teenager is not required to be   registered in the Reds’ 25-man squad for the next three years, but by the time he reaches the age of 22, the Belgian will still be classified as a homegrown as he has spent more than three seasons with the affiliated side to the FA. club.

The Reds have kept close to the Premier League limit of registering 17 non-homegrown players in their squad in recent years and the summer departures of James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have only added to that dilemma.

It’s another point in favor of Lavia that Liverpool’s other goals in midfield can’t boast and could be a way to justify the probable financial outlay for such a young player.