An update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Southampton prodigy Romeo Lavia has emerged, and despite bringing in Mason Mount, the Red Devils still seem eager to bolster their midfield options.
What are the newest transfer rumors involving Man United?
The 19-year-old Belgium international, who has one cap, is reportedly valued at roughly £50 million by the Championship side, and the Old Trafford team is one of many Premier League clubs interested in signing him this summer.
Romeo Lavia is becoming one of the most sought-after players this summer, the transfer source wrote on Twitter in response to that desire. While former clubs Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle are being kept informed, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea have all held discussions. Southampton demands £50 million.
In the attached article for 90 minutes, Bailey continues, “None of those suitors are thought to be willing to meet the Saints’ asking price at the moment, with some sort of compromise needing to be met as the 5 foot 11 teenager seems not keen to ply his trade in the second tier next season.”
Romeo Lavia’s talent level?
Despite only having played one season of senior football, the former Manchester City star attracted significant attention during what turned out to be a standout 2022–23 season at St. Mary’s Stadium. The youngster quickly established himself as something of a “monster” in the center of the park, according to journalist Benjy Nurick.
While Mount has already strengthened Erik ten Hag’s midfield unit, there are rumors that the Dutchman would prefer to add another player after the arrival of the Englishman, especially with Scott McTominay and Fred perhaps out for grabs.
In the midst of this search for a new midfielder, considerable talk has focused on the former Ajax manager’s desire for a reunion with Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat. The 26-year-old was previously coached by the former Ajax manager at Eredivisie team FC Utrecht.
Due to his expiring contract with current club Fiorentina, the Netherlands-born maestro is said to be in the range of just €30 million (£26 million). However, there are numerous rumors that the 6 foot 1 ace would prefer a move to Spain, amid interest from Barcelona.
As a result, Ten Hag may view the acquisition of Lavia, who has previous Premier League experience, as a dream option. The Saints star is also someone who the 53-year-old can build his team around for the foreseeable future due to his youth.
While Amrabat’s ability to control play and provide a calm presence in front of the back four would be a major advantage, given that he ranks in the top 5% of his European counterparts for pass completion at an average of 88.8%, Lavia can also serve as that midfield metronome, averaging 86.2% over the past 365 days.
However, when it comes to defense, the latter player comes out on top. In the Premier League last season, the Belgian star averaged 3.2 interceptions and tackles per game, whereas Amrabat averaged just two tackles and interceptions per game in Serie A.
Lavia may prove to be a more natural replacement for the 31-year-old as that ball-winning asset at the base of the midfield given that United’s Brazilian monster Casemiro averaged 4.4 in that regard in 2022/23.
Even if the £50 million price tag mentioned before would be a deal-breaker, if the Red Devils are able to acquire the Brussels-born machine, it would undoubtedly be a very prudent investment.
