The new Premier League season is beckoning and Liverpool’s supposed midfield overhaul is still far from complete, with two bids rejected for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia being the most recent activity according to Sky Sports. It seems the Saints will continue to dig their heels in after Chief Executive Phil Parsons spoke out on the current situation regarding departures at the club on BBC radio.
‘Won’t be Selling Assets on the Cheap’: Door Opened for Liverpool Transfer Target
Five Out and Two In – Overhaul Incomplete
Liverpool have seen the likes of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain depart. Brought in as replacements are Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. The reality of the situation is that the midfield is lacking a natural holding midfield player to play the six role. Stefan Bajcetic impressed last season but is recovering from injury and it represents a major risk to move forward with the young Spaniard as the main option.
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Sky Sports mentioned there is interest in Fluminense midfielder Andre, who recently made his Brazil debut. Two additions would be the ideal outcome for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who may be looking at another signing in the back four, after some poor defensive displays in pre-season.
Lavia Will Not Be Acquired on the Cheap
According to Sky’s report, the Reds’ most recent offer was worth less than an initial £40 million, with the Championship side holding out for £50 million. Speaking to the BBC ahead of the club’s opening game of the new season at Sheffield Wednesday, CEO Parsons outlined the current thinking around departures
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“We can trim the squad, we can sell assets if we want to. We won’t be selling assets on the cheap. And that’s why we stood firm on a few. We will develop a lot of players over the coming years and there will be players who gone on to join top-four clubs but we won’t be doing it at a cheap rate, we will be doing it at the going rate. If clubs want to place offers with us, we will look at them. We won’t be saying just yes to any offer through the door.”
Watch: Why Romeo Lavia is perfect for Liverpool
Time is Running Out
It is unlikely that any new signings from now will have a big impact on the Liverpool side as they will need time to train with their new team. Therefore, the Reds must get deals over the line for Lavia and Andre promptly. The difference in valuation is minuscule for a side with the resources that the Merseyside club can boast.
The current transfer strategy is puzzling. A slow start to the season could make the difference in the race for Champions League places, as the clubs expected to compete have significantly strengthened their squads ahead of the new campaign.
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