Liverpool are likely to move forward with their attempts to sign “both” Southampton’s Romeo Lavia and Fulham’s Joao Palhinha this week, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
In a Twitter post yesterday, the Belgian reporter claimed that “developments” on the two transfers are expected very soon, as the Reds step up plans to replace captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, who could both join Saudi Arabian clubs.
With Palhinha likely to cost around €60m (£51m) and Lavia’s asking price close to the same figure, the Reds may have to pay over £100m to secure the services of the two midfielders.
However, not long after Tavolieri published his first tweet, he then questioned whether a deal for Palhinha is still viable after concerns that the Portuguese international has dislocated his shoulder in a pre-season friendly:
#UPDATE
🇵🇹🤒🏥 Suspected dislocated shoulder and therefore a transfer possibly aborted because of this injury… 🫤
⏳ Wait&See. #LiverpoolFC #LFC #FulhamFC #mercato https://t.co/szaBVyoWdX pic.twitter.com/TZsbHEo7aH— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) July 23, 2023
Liverpool are more likely to bid for Lavia
Considering Palhinha’s current fitness situation, price tag and age (he turned 28 earlier this month), you would think that the Reds would probably steer clear of making a bid for the player at this time.
In the current circumstances, it appears the Lavia deal is the one that Jurgen Klopp’s side will push forward with in the coming days.
Southampton’s valuation does remain a concern. There is no doubt that the 19-year-old is very talented but he isn’t worth £50m, and you would hope sporting director Jorg Schmadtke can find a creative way to include add-ons in the deal so Liverpool pay a lot less upfront.
Of course, with Arsenal and Chelsea interested in Lavia as well, they can’t afford to take too long in talks, with the danger that the move could be hijacked.
