Liverpool seeks an alternative to Romeo Lavia by following the Chelsea and Arsenal transfer patterns.
Liverpool seeks an alternative to Romeo Lavia transfer before Deadline Day.
Liverpool appears to be taking a cue from Arsenal and Chelsea in the summer market after apparently starting negotiations with Fluminense star Andre over a potential £21 million acquisition. Romeo Lavia has been seen as an option to the young midfielder because Liverpool has failed to reach Southampton’s £50 million asking price for the Belgian talent.
Liverpool seeks an alternative to Romeo Lavia transfer before Deadline Day.
Lavia was not featured in Russell Martin’s starting lineup as the Saints defeated Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 on Friday night to open their Championship campaign, but Liverpool has other options if they are unable to complete a deal for the 19-year-old. Midfield reinforcements have taken priority with the departures of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Anfield.
Having started attempts to prise Andre out of Fluminense, the midfielder could be the latest big talent out of South America as Liverpool could follow Arsenal and Chelsea by targeting the top Brazilian clubs for their up-and-coming stars.
Edu, the sporting director at Arsenal, has had success by reaching out to the Brazilian market, signing Gabriel Martinelli from Ituno for a pittance of £6 million. The attacker went on to play a significant part in the Gunners’ title run last season, and last summer, they tried to emulate the move by signing Marquinhos.
Chelsea increased their efforts to sign the top young players from Brazil, signing both Andrey Santos and Angelo while also pursuing Deivid Washington, a third promising youngster. The latter is also the target of a late hijack from Monaco, but it is obvious that Premier League clubs, especially Liverpool right now, consider the talent hub as a priority.
Following the departures of Henderson and Fabinho, the Reds have now switched their attention to a defensive-minded player despite already signing both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer. Given that Curtis Jones played the same position during the preseason, he is anticipated to start the season versus Chelsea in a deeper role.
Jurgen Klopp acknowledged that he and sporting director Jorg Schmadtke were trying to improve in that area after being questioned about Jones’ new job. “Curtis (Jones) is definitely one of the options,” he said, “and it’s no secret that we’re looking for new players to join us.”
Lavia continues to be the top target ahead of Andre, and it is unclear if the Brazilian is being chased in addition to the Southampton player. Martin gave Liverpool a lift after they started their Championship season with the former Manchester City midfielder on the bench.
Of sure, people will go, Martin acknowledged on Friday. And when they do depart, maybe we will be able to expand the squad with players that complement us and who will benefit the team.
