Slot has struggled to turn things aroundplaceholder image
Slot has struggled to turn things around | AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool would have a huge injury headache on their hands if they’d signed this former transfer target
Following the Reds’ midfield exodus in 2023 - with Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho all leaving the club - strengthening the engine room was critical for the club.
Lavia, who was at Southampton at the time, was a leading transfer target for Liverpool. Prior to their eventual deals with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo, Lavia was the main man in the headlines being linked with Anfield.
In the end, the Reds missed out on the 21-year-old to Chelsea, but they’ve been spared a massive injury nightmare.
Romeo Lavia faces another injury setback
Lavia has been hit with another cruel injury blow despite only recently returning to action from a previous setback.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca opted to start Lavia against Qarabag in the Champions League, but he was forced off the pitch before the ten-minute mark after receiving treatment.
The 21-year-old had only recently returned from a long-term hamstring problem, which saw him miss 12 games this season across all competitions. His overall torrid injury record has limited him to just 30 appearances since he arrived at Stamford Bridge over two years ago.
It’s another devastating blow for both Lavia and Chelsea and initial reports suggest he is likely looking at another extended spell out the sidelines.
“We feel very ashamed, especially for him, because he’s not able to be fit for a long, long period,” Maresca said after the match. “It’s not a recurrence of his hamstring problem; it looks like a quad injury. We’ll need to assess him further, but it doesn’t look good.”
Liverpool have struggled with their fair share of injury woes in recent years, so having another hugely injury-prone player would have only been another massive headache for Arne Slot and co.
Why did Liverpool not sign Romeo Lavia?
Liverpool had been the frontrunners to sign Lavia but in the end, he opted to join the Blues despite all signs pointing to an Anfield switch. At the time, Jurgen Klopp had earmarked Lavia as the ideal replacement for Fabinho.
Southampton made it clear from the start they would not part ways with the midfielder for less than the £50 million asking price they had set. Liverpool continuously tabled low ball offer and had each one knocked back.
The Reds saw three bids worth less than £50 million rejected by the Saints, including their final approach worth £46 million. However, despite refusing to offer to full amount Southampton were looking for, they went on to see a British record of £111 million accept by Brighton for Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuador international also opted to join Chelsea and Liverpool’s attempt to sign him ultimately put Lavia off moving to Merseyside. Reports at the time claimed the youngster felt like a ‘second choice’ for the Reds, who eventually offered to match Chelsea’s successful bid of £53 million.
However, the damage had been done and Lavia, who was set on joining Liverpool, had his mind completely changed.
Continue Reading