Why Liverpool should shift their focus to this goal-scoring powerhouse ahead of the new season.
Despite headlines involving Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz dominating the media, Liverpool are still very much on the market for a new centre-forward.
The Reds have relied heavily on their wide players in recent years and while it has worked for their system, they are now looking to bring in a typical No.9 who can add an extra string of threat to their attack.
Alexander Isak has been a leading target for Liverpool for months now but other names have also appeared on their radar. There’s no question why the Swedish superstar has garnered so much attention lately but the Reds could benefit from shifting their focus elsewhere, specifically in the direction of Isak’s compatriot Viktor Gyokeres.
Liverpool should focus on Gyokeres over Isak
It has been reported that Liverpool will be able to meet the asking price for both Isak and Wirtz this summer with minimal difficulty. Rousing the Kop has reported that the Reds are confident they can raise at least £150 million through player sales but they also have the financial access to bring in at least one marquee player without selling anyone.
While this is a very promising update, Isak is still guaranteed to cost mega bucks. The latest reports suggest Newcastle United will not entertain anything less than the £150-160 million mark, and even then, there is no guarantee it will be enough to convince the Magpies.
After the euphoria of their first trophy lift in 70 years, it’s unlikely Eddie Howe and co will let influential figures leave right away. Liverpool will probably have an easier time trying to sign Gyokeres.
According to football transfers, the Reds are highly interested in the 26-year-old and are ‘willing to match any offers’ from rival clubs that come in for his signature. It is believed he will be made available for ‘around €65-70 million’, which equates to around £59 million.
If this asking price stands once the window open, Liverpool could sign Gyokeres for less than half the price Newcastle are wanting for Isak. While the Reds may have the funds available, it’s generally very good practice to save money where possible, without cutting corners on standards. This will allow Liverpool to dish out money in other positions, perhaps centre-back, with attack, midfield and full-backs seemingly taken care of.
How would Viktor Gyokeres benefit Liverpool?
Operating with a typical No.9 has not been Liverpool’s attacking method of choice for some time now. Roberto Firmino’s role complemented Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane’s forward pressing and eye for a goal, allowing the wide duo to be the main goal outlets.
Since his arrival at the club, Salah has finished every single season as Liverpool’s top goalscorer. His ability is inevitable but as he nears the end of his career, the Reds need to slowly move away from the Egyptian being their main source of goals.
Bringing in a clinical striker who can be fed by those around him is the natural next step for Liverpool. Nunez was signed with the vision to become the team’s leading goal-getter but his missed opportunities have often been costly for the Reds.
Adding a natural goal-poaching striker to Liverpool’s impressive attack will only boost their chances of defending their title next season. The ability of Salah teamed up - hypothetically at this point - with 16 goal and 15-assist midfielder Wirtz and either Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo or Diogo Jota on the left-wing, plus a striker like Gyokeres would make Liverpool a monstrous force for any defence.
Gyokeres has been a powerhouse for multiple consecutive seasons now, and his numbers this term are superb. With a mammoth 53 goals and 13 assists in 51 appearances, the Swede has been inevitable for Sporting CP.
These numbers aren’t a one off, either. Last season, he notched 43 goals and 15 assists. In the two seasons prior, Gyokeres was playing in the EFL Championship, and contributed a combined 40 goals and 17 assists throughout the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.
Prior to his time with Coventry and Sporting, the 26-year-old spent time at Brighton. While he didn’t make a Premier League appearance for the Seagulls, he was part of the environment and made senior appearances in the EFL Cup and FA Cup.
Naturally, there is usually concern that players outside of England may not be able to adapt to the Premier League. We have seen it with plenty of overseas signing before, even with Nunez. Of course, there is the risk Gyokeres will struggle, but if he is available for less than half of what Newcastle want for Isak, it seems like an easy decision as things currently stand.
Plus, this Arne Slot era is still in its infancy, and there are bound to be teething issues and mismatched signings along the way. Liverpool winning the league at the first time of asking under Slot has placed this team on a huge pedestal, but it’s worth remembering this is still their first year together.
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