Liverpool will not allow themselves to end up in a bidding war with Chelsea over the signing of Romeo Lavia this summer, according to journalist David Lynch.
The Reds’ priority in the summer transfer window is to bolster their midfield, having looked both ageing and injury-prone there during the 2022/23 season.
Some good progress has already been made with the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton, with the Argentina World Cup winner seen as a hugely positive addition.
More additions are needed on top of him, though, and Lavia is someone who has been linked with a move to Liverpool numerous times in recent weeks.
The 19-year-old may have suffered relegation from the Premier League with Southampton last month, but he was one of the few positives to take from the campaign on the south coast, standing out with his mature performances in front of the defence.
According to Football Insider‘s Lynch, Liverpool are still interested in signing Lavia this summer, but “do not want to be dragged into a bidding war with Chelsea or the Premier League elite” when it comes to trying to snap him up.
It is also stated that the Reds have “had contact with Lavia’s representatives but competition for his signature could make a deal difficult”, with Jurgen Klopp wanting guarantees that the Belgian “wants to join the Anfield club in order to pursue a deal this summer.”
Our thoughts on Liverpool’s pursuit of Lavia…
Lavia looks like a footballer of immense promise, having already stood out as a star man for a Premier League team as a teenager, so the idea of him in a Liverpool shirt is exciting.
That being said, it is also important that the Reds don’t end up paying over the odds for the Saints star, especially when there are many other strong options out there, whether it be Khephren Thuram, Monu Kone or Mason Mount.
Lavia’s ability is there for all to see, having averaged 2.1 tackles and one dribble per game across 29 Premier League appearances last term – Pep Guardiola has also called him “incredible” – so Liverpool should still look to be bringing him in.
As mentioned, though, there are other, more experienced, options in the mix, too, so it would be no disaster if the Merseysiders were ultimately priced out of a move.
