Liverpool transfer information:
A possible replacement for Romeo Lavia, Andre is ‘sold’ at Anfield but a move for the Southampton star could still materialize in time.
Liverpool must take time to formalize the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, but the two veteran midfielders have now left the club. With less than two weeks to go until the start of the new season, the focus must now shift quickly to signing a new contract.
In sixth place, Roméo Lavia has long been considered a top target for Liverpool, but a second offer was rejected by Southampton, according to Sky Sports. Against that backdrop, the club could be looking for alternatives, with Brazilian midfielder André the latest to emerge.
His stance on a possible move to Anfield is becoming clearer. But Lavia’s pursuit is far from over, despite the delay in the transfer fee agreement.
Liverpool, of course, must signal that they are ready to leave at some point. But Southampton’s sporting director has offered insight into his club’s negotiating position during the transfer window, and it hints at a possible time for any Lavia move.
Here is Liverpool.com’s verdict on the transfer rumors swirling around the Red Devils today.
André (Fluminense)
After being pushed back by Southampton again against Lavia, Liverpool have “officially contacted” Fluminense to take on André. It was by Melissa Reddy of Sky Sports.
A fee of $25 million (£20 million / €23 million) has been argued, the outlet continues to claim. There is still no agreement between the clubs, with Fluminense reluctant to lose the midfielder, but Andre himself is said to have ‘sold’ the idea of a move to Liverpool.
Liverpool.com says:
André and Lavia are by no means identical players. There is perhaps a possibility that Liverpool will sign both, with reports confirming that Jürgen Klopp would ‘ideally’ add two more midfielders and a defender before the end of the transfer window.
In fact, this is actually more of a necessity than a goal, or else Liverpool risk being left behind by the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. But there’s no reason a riskier deal, such as bringing Andre straight from South America, shouldn’t be among those arriving.
Roméo Lavia (Southampton)
The delay in the Lavia deal of course set off alarm bells. But an admission from Southampton’s sporting director has emerged, which could give clues as to how the transfer schedule could play out.
According to the Daily Echo, Jason Wilcox has predicted that a number of Saints players could start the Championship season before transfers are completed:
“There will be players who start the season for us but leave later and that’s very difficult to deal with for the manager and the players, for their families and also for their agents,” said Wilcox. .
Southampton start their season with Sheffield Wednesday on Friday. It seems Liverpool shouldn’t be worried to see Lavia play a role.
However, Wilcox has warned that any sanctioned transfer this summer must be ‘win-win’. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can hit that point with their offers.
Liverpool.com says:
Hopefully the pursuit of Lavia doesn’t last too long as Liverpool’s own preparations could suffer. Indeed, it has been less than ideal for Klopp, who has spent the entire pre-season so far using temporary options in the No.
But it looks like Southampton are willing to wait, and so are Liverpool. There are at least some possible options for Fabinho’s role right now, especially with Stefan Bajčetić having recently returned from injury, and ultimately a long-term deal.
