Klopp could still make four better signings once the £50m Romeo Lavia deal completed
Liverpool is nearing an agreement to acquire Romeo Lavia from Southampton. The Reds are expected to reach an agreement with the Saints to acquire the highly regarded defensive midfielder after their initial £37 million offer was turned down.
Lavia would be the club’s third addition of the summer, following Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, if a better offer is received, and he would become the third player to sign with the club. However, there could be several more newcomers, and Express Sport examines four potential newcomers who could arrive after the Belgian…
Including add-ons, Liverpool will have spent approximately £165 million on central midfielders if Lavia joins for Southampton’s complete £50 million asking price.
When Fabinho follows Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita out the door, Jurgen Klopp will have lost five midfielders.
It is believed that the signing of Lavia is unrelated to Fabinho’s departure, so it is likely that another transfer will be made once the Brazilian leaves, assuming the lengthy process does not fail.
It is unclear whether they would pursue a box-to-box player like Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone, or Lille’s Kephren Thuram, or a defender like Fluminense’s Andre, Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure, or Fulham’s Joao Palhinha. They have an extensive list of potential targets.
Klopp is severely reliant on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate remaining healthy for the majority of the season due to the shaky play of centre-backs Joel Matip and Joe Gomez over the past year. However, a left-sided central defender is obviously on the club’s mind given their interest in Levi Colwill of Chelsea.
In contrast to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who flourished as a deep-lying midfielder after the switch to a 3-2-2-3 formation at the conclusion of last season, Andy Robertson struggled to adapt to his new role as a central defender after the switch to a 3-2-2-3 formation.
In light of the fact that primary left-back Van Dijk is now 32 years old and is coming off a disappointing season, an additional defensive option appears necessary.
Colwill’s price and Chelsea’s refusal to sell may make his signing impossible, but Sporting’s Goncalo Inaco, Lyon’s Castello Lukeba, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hinapie could be cheaper and more attainable alternatives.
Klopp has made it plain that he has no intention of selling Caoimhin Kelleher. The Irishman has been a reliable No. 2 for him over the past four seasons and is expected to be the club’s Europa League custodian in order to give Alisson a break.
Before September 1, it is still feasible for a club to make an offer that neither the player nor the club can refuse. The Wolves are rumored to be interested in signing the 24-year-old if Jose Sa departs. Kelleher would be worth at least £20 million.
And if he were to leave, it is probable that the Reds would require a new goalkeeper, with Adrian firmly in the third position. Hannover 96’s Ron-Robert Zieler, who is 34 years old and qualifies as an indigenous player like Kelleher, has experience in the Premier League, and could be acquired for a nominal fee, would be the ideal candidate.
Klopp could still make four better signings once the £50m Romeo Lavia deal completed