Romeo Lavia: What shirt number could he wear at Liverpool?

Romeo Lavia's move to Liverpool is getting closer and closer by the day.

On Thursday morning, news broke that Liverpool had submitted a second official bid for the Southampton midfielder, worth around £45m including add-ons.

Reporter Sacha Tavolieri claims the move is now just a matter of time. Personal terms with the player are already agreed and the Saints are expecting a deal to go through within the coming days – meaning that if all goes well, Liverpool's third midfield recruit could join the team for the trip to Singapore this weekend.

With the transfer now looking to progress quickly, many fans may be wondering what number the defensive midfielder could take up next season.

Here are some of the options he may choose.

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READ MORE: What squad numbers are available at Liverpool for the 2023/24 season

Number 3

Previously worn by: Fabinho Tavarez, Jose Enrique, Steve Finnan

If the dominoes fall at the right time and Fabinho's impending Saudi Arabian departure comes before Lavia penning a Liverpool deal, the youngster could opt to step into the Brazilian's shoes (or shirt).

The number 3 is not exactly synonymous with a defensive midfielder, but it is with Fabinho, who will be remembered as one of the world's best in his position.

If Lavia emulates half of what Fabinho has achieved under Jurgen Klopp, he will have an impressive Reds career – so perhaps he will want to start on the front foot and take his place as Liverpool's new 'lighthouse'?

Number 12

Previously worn by: Fabio Aurelio, Jerzy Dudek, Joe Gomez, Sami Hyypia

With Luis Diaz and Darwin Nuñez taking new numbers this season (seven and nine respectively), and new signings Dominik Szobozslai and Alexis Mac Allister now occupying numbers eight and 10, all of the options from 1-11 are currently occupied at Liverpool.

Therefore, if Romeo Lavia wanted to opt for the lowest possible squad number upon his arrival, he would have to go for number 12 - which was last occupied by Joe Gomez, before his switch to Liverpool's number two just over a year ago.

It's a shirt that isn't often donned by midfielders, particularly at Liverpool, but could be an option nonetheless.

Number 14

Previously worn by: Jan Mølby, Jordan Henderson, Xabi Alonso

Another option, and one that is perhaps more appealing, is the legendary number 14 shirt.

While we are still waiting for official word from the club, Jordan Henderson himself has announced his departure for Saudi Arabia, and has already been seen training with Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq.

Therefore, the shirt that the skipper wore while lifting every trophy possible for Liverpool Football Club is available for the first time in a long time.

At just 19 years old, Lavia has an abundance of potential and if his ambition is to remain at the club for as long as possible, winning trophies along the way, what better way to make an early statement than to take the mantle that is the number 14 shirt on his arrival.

Number 45

Previously worn by: Mario Balotelli, Thomas Ince

The final likely possibility would be that the Belgian chooses to stick, rather than twist, and continues to wear the number 45 that he made his own last season with Southampton.

While the number isn't a particularly common one for the average first-team player, and doesn't have a great history at Liverpool, it could hold significance for Lavia – at the very least, until another number becomes available.

However, he could also pick and stay with with number 45. It's not unheard of for players to keep unorthodox numbers to try and create a legacy and a unique synergy between them and their number. Number 66 and Trent Alexander-Arnold anyone?

Perhaps that could be similar for Romeo Lavia in years to come?

Other available numbers

Failing the options above, the other possible numbers (1-30) Lavia could occupy at Liverpool are as follows: 15, 16, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30.

What numbers has Lavia worn in the past?

In addition to sporting 45 at Southampton in his first senior year of Premier League football, Lavia has worn a selection of shirt numbers throughout his nascent career.

In his Manchester City senior debut he wore 90, while he often played with a much more traditional number 6 for the Citizens' youth teams.

He has also worn 6 for Belgium Under-19s, but played in 23 for the Under-21s and 18 in his only cap for the senior side.