Teenage sensation Romeo Lavia has been one of football’s most sought-after players this summer and the 19-year-old is expected to seal a move from Southampton to one of his many suitors before the new campaign gets under way in August.
The Belgian midfielder, who was schooled in the famed Anderlecht academy before enjoying a brief spell with Manchester City between 2020 and 2022, turned heads with his mature displays as an anchorman for Southampton last term.
Despite the Saints’ eventual relegation from the Premier League, Lavia’s performances really caught the eye and clubs from the upper reaches of the division have joined the race for his signature.
Below, we’ve taken a closer look at some of Lavia’s potential destinations along with the latest transfer odds for the Southampton starlet.
Romeo Lavia Next Club: Latest transfer odds
Liverpool – 8/15
Liverpool have been embarking on a major midfield reconstruction this summer and having already picked up Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig, the Reds have made Romeo Lavia their next major target.
Jurgen Klopp has already sanctioned the departures of Naby Keita and James Milner since May, while Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are also expected to chase the petrodollar in Saudi Arabia. Those exits have left gaps to fill in midfield, particularly in defensive areas and Romeo Lavia has just about the perfect profile to succeed at Anfield.
Liverpool are believed to have had an offer of around £40m for Lavia knocked back by Southampton already, though they could return with an improved offer soon.
Liverpool are prepared to return with new approach to Southampton for Roméo Lavia. Saints made clear they want £50m package after initial contact on Tuesday, talks on player side taking place for weeks ???
No issues on personal terms. Lavia, open to joining Liverpool. pic.twitter.com/vaLtdKjave
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 26, 2023
Arsenal – 11/4
Arsenal were believed to be near the front of the queue for Lavia, however, the Gunners’ decision to splash over £100m on Declan Rice seems to have impacted their pursuit of the Southampton midfielder.
The ambitious Gunners have already spent over £200m in total this summer in a bid to launch another Premier League title tilt next term and with Thomas Partey now expected to stay at The Emirates Stadium, it looks as though Arsenal are stocked well enough in midfield to cool their interest in Lavia – for the time being at least.
Chelsea – 5/1
Chelsea have been working on a deal to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton for much of the summer, however, if the Blues fail to land their primary target, they could turn their attentions to the more gettable Romeo Lavia.
With their negotiations with Albion over Caicedo currently at an impasse, Chelsea must make a decision on whether to switch targets soon however, as Liverpool have been making concrete steps to bring Lavia to Merseyside.
Newcastle – 17/2
Newcastle have been using their Saudi-backed financial clout this summer and the Magpies have already brought Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali to the north east since the end of the previous campaign.
However, further business is expected at St. James’ Park and some rumours have suggested that a deal for Romeo Lavia could be lined up. There is a belief that Lavia would favour a move to Liverpool above everyone else, though Newcastle could become a viable fallback option if talks break down between Southampton and the Reds.
