Liverpool faced a turbulent season, falling short in cup competitions and settling for a fifth-place finish in the Premier League, ultimately missing out on Champions League qualification. Determined to revamp their midfield, manager Jurgen Klopp wasted no time in securing the signings of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton for £35 million and Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig for £60 million. However, the Reds may not be done yet, with emerging reports linking them to Southampton’s rising star, Romeo Lavia.
Financial Hurdles and Thiago’s Possible Exit
Liverpool’s pursuit of Lavia faces a significant financial hurdle as Southampton has slapped a £50 million price tag on the 19-year-old talent, leaving the Reds short by £10 million. To make matters more intriguing, the potential acquisition of Lavia could hinge on the future of their current midfielder, Thiago. Speculation has emerged suggesting Thiago might be tempted by a lucrative move to a club in Saudi Arabia.
Reports of Thiago rejecting previous approaches from Saudi Arabia were clarified by renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who stated that these initial contacts were neither concrete bids nor advanced negotiations and took place several weeks ago. At present, Thiago’s priority appears to be staying put at Anfield for the final year of his contract, leaving his potential departure uncertain.
Klopp’s Conundrum and Lavia’s Promising Profile
Should a substantial offer from a Saudi Arabian club materialize, Klopp could be inclined to facilitate Thiago’s exit, paving the way for the pursuit of Romeo Lavia. However, Klopp already possesses experienced midfield campaigners in Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, along with the newly acquired talents of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai. As such, Klopp faces a dilemma in determining the best course of action for his midfield setup.
Lavia, who joined Southampton just last summer for an initial fee of £10.5 million from Manchester City, showcased immense promise during his maiden campaign at St Mary’s Stadium. Despite Southampton’s relegation to the Championship, the 19-year-old displayed his talent in 34 appearances, catching the attention of potential suitors, including Liverpool.
