The ink on Dominik Szoboszlai’s signature had barely been allowed to dry while there was more and more talk about Romeo Lavia.
Now it seems that Khephren Thuram is going to be forgotten, and that all cloths are put in to secure Belgian Lavia as soon as they can.
Fabricius Roman reports that Liverpool have been in contact with the player’s agent for several weeks and that talks could open soon.
While in some transfer windows it has felt like an eternity of waiting before the Reds do anything, there are several reasons why Liverpool both want and should work quickly with the Southampton player.
Understand Liverpool now don’t plan to sign Khephren Thuram following Dominik Szoboszlai’s arrival. Talks NOT taking place with Nice this week. #LFC have explored the deal and price not an obstacle. Thuram available for far less than €60m. Romeo Lavia is the one to watch.🔴 pic.twitter.com/P13hfCVObt
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 4, 2023
Here are some of the key reasons:
1) The competition
2) The contract clause
3) Klopp’s wish
1) Competition from London
When Southampton were relegated, it was early that the top clubs began to take a closer look at Lavia. For Liverpool, it’s about getting ahead of them with the same errand in the queue.
FootballTransfers writes that the midfielder should prefer Arsenal. “The Gunners” can lure with Champions League football and a good salary, having released a lot of dead meat from the stable in recent seasons.
The London team’s problem is that they are unlikely to go for Lavia until it is settled with Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Declan Rice.
The latter two agreements in particular have dragged on.
The run-up to the 2023/24 season starts this week
Jürgen Klopp, the coaching staff and several of the players are expected back on Merseyside at the weekend.
News Yesterday 08:51Liverpool hardly done, the Lavia talks should be underway and a stop is wanted
Will Romeo Lavia be Liverpool’s next signing this summer?
News Sun. 02.07. 20:05
Chelsea may be interested, but they also have some situations that need to be clarified in the sale of Mason Mount to Manchester United, and the pursuit of Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.
Here, Liverpool has the advantage of having completed painless transfers for Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
2) New player, new clause
Just as with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, there is a contract clause that comes into play. These purchases were flexible due to the players’ buyout clauses.
Lavia’s old club, Manchester City, had such faith in the 19-year-old that they secured a £40m buy-back clause last summer.
However, this will not be activated until 2024.
If Liverpool are to sign Lavia, it almost has to be now.
Liverpool have been in contact with the agents of Roméo Lavia for 2 weeks — still ongoing 🔴🇧🇪
He’s high on the list, considered as ‘top talent’ in his position.
Sources expect #LFC to open talks with Southampton soon — as there will be competition from Arsenal and Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/l7NIUaKGYm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2023
Southampton, for their part, will try to milk their hottest sale object, before City can possibly enter into the agreement. “The Saints” want closer to £50 million.
3) Ideal situation for Klopp
Jürgen Klopp has never been particularly interested in bringing in the biggest star names, but he wants players who are malleable and can be developed further.
When the season has become as hectic as it is, a large part of this work is done in the preseason.
In that sense, it has been perfect with Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai
In addition, new players must settle in a new city, changing room, teammates, support system, neighborhood and so on.
As is well known, the season warm-up starts this week, and Liverpool have two stays in Germany and Singapore respectively on the schedule.
The ideal would be if Romeo Lavia was on the plane when the squad leaves.
2023-07-04 13:14:00
#reasons #Liverpool #act #quickly #secure #Lavia