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Liverpool’s surprising preference: Romeo Lavia over Khephren Thuram, despite higher costs

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Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, is preparing for a major squad overhaul following a disappointing season that saw the team lose their Champions League status and fail to secure any trophies. Among the areas they are keen to reinforce is their midfield, having already secured signings like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

However, the club remains linked with several midfielders, including Khephren Thuram from Nice and Roméo Lavia from Southampton. Despite growing interest from Newcastle United, Liverpool is reportedly moving swiftly to secure Thuram’s signature. Simultaneously, they are also making an initial bid for Lavia, as reported by talkSPORT.

Choosing Lavia over Thuram may seem surprising given the price difference, with Lavia valued at around £50 million compared to Nice’s demands of £38.6 million for Thuram. However, there is a crucial factor driving Liverpool’s decision—the homegrown status. With the signing of Szoboszlai, Liverpool has only one non-homegrown slot remaining in their squad before reaching the Premier League limit.

The Premier League’s homegrown rule states that teams must have a minimum number of players who have either come through the club’s academy or another English side’s academy. At the end of each transfer window, teams must submit a maximum 25-man squad list, with a requirement of at least eight homegrown players. This limits the number of non-homegrown players to a maximum of 17.

Lavia, at just 19 years old, would not occupy a non-homegrown slot, despite being Belgian. Even after turning 21, he would still be considered a homegrown player due to having played in England for over three years. This strategic move allows Liverpool to address their midfield needs while maintaining a balanced squad composition.

With the Premier League’s regulations shaping Liverpool’s decision-making process, their pursuit of Lavia over Thuram demonstrates their attentiveness to long-term squad planning and adherence to homegrown player requirements.