Romeo Lavia was a highlight in Southampton’s disappointing season that saw them relegated to the Championship for the first time in 12 years. The Belgian defensive midfielder made 33 appearances for Southampton and scored a goal and after his impressive season despite the circumstances he has a lot of big clubs chasing after his signature.
Here, we take a look at all of the 19-year-old's transfer news and odds.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool mini-rebuild this summer could also include the defensive midfielder. The departures of Naby Keita and James Milner means that Liverpool’s midfield have dwindling numbers, especially with the injury-prone Thiago and Jordan Henderson, therefore the addition of Lavia may be necessary.
Liverpool had a less-than-ideal season for the 2022/23 campaign, missing out on Champions League football for the first time since the 2015/16 season. Though they’ll undoubtedly be one of the strongest teams in the Europa League, Liverpool’s focus will be on challenging at the top again or at least finishing in the top four.
Liverpool is Lavia’s most likely destination, and would give the Belgian the chance to stay in the Premier League and prove himself at the top.
Though Chelsea spent big in the January transfer window, they look to do the same this summer. After a big overhaul of the squad by new manager Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea may be within the FFP rules to shell out the big money for new players.
The departure of Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City, Mason Mount to Manchester United and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to AC Milan leaves room for a new arrival in the midfield. The new Chelsea era under Todd Boehly’s ownership hasn’t gotten off to the best start but the focus, transfer-wise, seems to be on building a strong but young team to last.
19-year-old Lavia could be one of these youngsters that Pochettino wants to build with, and Chelsea’s willingness to spend may give them the edge in the race for Lavia.
Arsenal’s title charge in the 2022/23 season didn’t end the way The Gunners would’ve wanted but it showed that the squad is definitely good enough to challenge for a first league title in 20 years.
Injuries rocked Arsenal’s campaign and despite only signing the Italian in the January transfer window, it seems that Jorginho is open to leaving North London this summer, meaning that there is an opening in the defensive midfield position at Arsenal.
Though only 19, Lavia already has one season of Premier League football under his belt and has shown his comfort in a big-pressure position. Some reports allege that Lavia would prefer a move to Arsenal rather than Liverpool or Chelsea which may make a move to the red half of North London this summer even more likely.
Another 'Big Six' side interested in signing up the talents of the Belgian is Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United. Though United’s second half of the season was more than impressive, it wasn’t enough to override their poor start to the season to challenge their city rivals for the title.
United have been heavily investing in their midfield this summer, spending £55 million on Mason Mount from Chelsea, and are looking to spend further. Currently, United have veteran Casemiro in the defensive midfield position right now, Lavia could be the other option for Casemiro who may not be able to play every game.
Though United are only monitoring Lavia’s situation right now, he is a prospect that would definitely be a worthy and potentially likely addition at Old Trafford.
However, Lavia may not be tempted away from St Mary's and may stick around to help Southampton bounce straight back up to the top flight. The 19-year-old made his Premier League debut at Southampton after a move from Man City where he made zero appearances in one season.
Lavia became the first player born in 2004 to score in the Premier League with Southampton and he may repay the faith put in him by The Saints by staying with them despite interest from five of the top six teams.
Despite the need to keep all of their talent at St Marys in order to increase their chances of promotion, the departure of Lavia could bring in a big transfer fee that could be invested in a number of other players.
Ange Postecoglou is looking to add to Tottenham’s midfield before his first season in charge in the Premier League.
In the 2022/23 season, Tottenham used a 4 - 4 - 2 shape under Ryan Mason with Ollie Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg occupying the holding midfield positions. Though Tottenham also have the likes of Yves Bissouma to rely on, all three of these have suffered injuries and the addition of Lavia could not only add some depth to the Tottenham midfield as well as a youthful energy.
One of the aspects that make this a less likely destination for Lavia is the transfer fee Southampton are expecting. The teenager has been valued at £40 million an amount Daniel Levy may not want to pay.
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