Big clubs signing generational talents from smaller clubs. That has become a theme in football for the past decade or so now.
While those talents are still raw, elite clubs like taking the gamble on these players, rather than paying large sums in the future. Such players, in an already inflated transfer market, do not come cheap and so will be the case with Romeo Lavia’s exit at Southampton.
The Belgian international is just 19 and only moved to St. Mary’s last season. But with the Saints relegated and Lavia being too good for the Championship, clubs are circling for the former City player’s signature.
Southampton value him at $55m and with most of the Premier League’s elite targeting the youngster, here are some potential destinations in the below order.
Liverpool
The most likely destination for Romeo Lavia. Liverpool have already begun their midfield rebuild and have bagged the signings of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.
The Reds and Jurgen Klopp aren’t done yet and want to add Lavia to their ranks to complete the rebuild. Both Allister and Szoboszlai will play the No 8 role for Klopp and the German manager still needs someone to replace the ageing Fabinho in the pivot.
Belgian international Lavia is the perfect successor in Klopp’s eyes and The Anfield outfit will do everything in their power to land their man.
Arsenal
Arsenal have been on a quest of its own of adding more quality to the squad. They have so far announced the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea, and are on the verge of a record Premier League transfer of Declan Rice from West Ham.
It does not end there and another high-profile addition is in the process – Jurrien Timber from Ajax. The splash of cash might not end there, because the Gunners have also shown an interest in Romeo Lavia.
Although, that deal depends on the departure of their current defensive midfielder Thomas Partey. Lavia will no doubt will be a valuable addition at the Emirates and boost further the chances of Arteta’s squad to challenge for another title.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s approach in Todd Boehly’s second season has come as a surprise to many. The American businessman along with his co-sporting directors have focused on outgoings first in the off-season rather than incomings.
The Blues have already announced the arrivals of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson as first-team additions and several other youth players. However, a midfielder is high on Pochettino’s priority list and Chelsea are aggressively chasing Moises Caicedo of Brighton.
If at all that deal does not go through, Chelsea will go for Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia. But it’ll be interesting to see whether by the time Boehly decides to go for Lavia, if he’ll be available on the market anymore.
Other possible destinations include Man Utd. Although, the Red Devils have already invested heavily in Mason Mount and might not go for another midfielder this summer.