It still feels strange discussing potential transfers for Liverpool after the events of the last week.
But with the club’s players having decided they will go ahead with Sunday’s friendly against Preston, having been consulted following the tragic death of Diogo Jota, comes an indication that the Reds are turning their attentions back toward preparations for next season.
Transfers may still feel like the last thing on the minds of those at Anfield, with the next few days no doubt set to be emotional as Jota’s teammates take to the pitch for the first time since his passing. In time though, Richard Hughes and Arne Slot will look to finish the outstanding job they started earlier this summer as they look ahead to the Premier League title defense.
Inevitably, the rumors have started back up again in recent days, with many of the usual names cropping up. Among them is the re-emergence of one that got away last summer.
Had things turned out differently 12 months ago, Anthony Gordon might have already been a Liverpool player at this moment. A deal to bring the former Everton man was very much in the works until the plug was pulled, with Newcastle’s demand for Jarell Quansah to move in the opposite direction not fitting in with the Reds’ priorities at the time.
Of course, had the deal been on the table this summer, it could have been a different story, considering Liverpool has since decided Quansah is indeed dispensable. Even so, Gordon continues to be linked with a move to Anfield.
The latest claims come courtesy of Football Insider, who suggest that Liverpool is plotting a move for the 24-year-old, supposedly after he told friends he was “very keen” on the transfer 12 months ago.
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United
Anthony Gordon came close to joining Liverpool last summer (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
The door might be opening somewhat for Gordon to make the move to his boyhood club, with Anthony Elanga seemingly close to joining Newcastle, and Jack Grealish also being linked with the Magpies.
A valuation of around $136 million (£100M) though would have Liverpool thinking hard about the deal, not least because it might prevent it from going after the player it should really want.
Undoubtedly, a healthy grain of salt needs to be taken with such reports, but there’s no denying the valuation would add up for a player under contract until 2030, having only signed a new deal in October.
As good a player Gordon is, Liverpool fans would no doubt prefer his teammate — one Alexander Isak.
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon (left) and Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak should be Liverpool's priority if a transfer is possible
Of course, you would be looking at a lot more than $136 million for the Swede, with reports suggesting he will cost upwards of $204 million (£150M), and others even going as far as $272 million (£200M).
The latter valuation would be tough to justify, even for a player of Isak’s ilk, but the former doesn’t seem too unreasonable when compared to Gordon’s supposed price tag.
There is little doubt that Isak would be a transformative signing, something that Liverpool has tried to achieve with its transfers throughout FSG’s reign at the club. Whether the opportunity will be there this summer is doubtful, given Newcastle is showing no appetite for letting him go, or lowering his price.
If the chance does present itself though, there can’t be any doubt about who should be Liverpool’s true priority. If - and it’s a big if - Isak is gettable, his hefty price tag will make more sense than Gordon’s.