Liverpool can make Lavia gesture with starlet Guardiola called ‘incredible’

Jordan Henderson's Liverpool future assessed

Liverpool could be willing to hand Romeo Lavia the No 14 shirt next season if he joins the club from Southampton this summer. The Reds are preparing a second bid for his services as they look to shake up their midfield, with other Premier League clubs closely monitoring his situation.

Jurgen Klopp made it clear at the end of last season that he needed to bolster his midfield ranks, allowing James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to all depart. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szobsolai were acquired as replacements, but the ever-changing situation at Anfield means that there are further signings required.

With Jordan Henderson and Fabinho set to head to the Saudi Pro League, Liverpool need another incoming to complete their new-look midfield three. Lavia has been identified as their top target as a result, with a fresh bid for him expected imminently.

At just 19, an offer in the region of £50million is a significant vote of confidence. Though Liverpool could prove the level of trust that they are willing to put in Lavia by handing him a significant squad number.

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The Belgium international currently wears No 45 at Southampton, but it is unlikely that he will find himself donning such a high number next season if he makes the move to Merseyside. Lavia could decide to take ex-club captain Henderson’s No 14 in what would be a significant gesture from Klopp, as would taking Fabinho’s No 20 in a similar vein that would indicate a high level of trust being placed in the playmaker.

Lavia impressed last season in a shaky Saints side, being given the thankless task of trying to protect his defence and fuel attacks from deep. But his side’ poor form did not hinder his progression, with former manager Pep Guardiola singing his praises towards the end of the campaign.

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Speaking about the decision to let Lavia leave Manchester City, he explained: “I am really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing. We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him. We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not [get] enough minutes like he has in Southampton.”

Chelsea and Arsenal are also interested in Lavia, making a move away from St Mary’s somewhat inevitable before the 2023/24 Premier League campaign begins. The midfielder has featured in pre-season for Southampton recently, playing 45 minutes against Bournemouth on Tuesday.

His performance left plenty to be desired, with Saints boss Russell Martin explaining that the midfielder has a lot on his plate at the moment. He explained: “I thought Romeo, considering what’s going on, to play tonight and do all that stuff, it was good for him to get on the pitch as he has not had the minutes other people have had. Romeo has a lot in his head.”

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