Liverpool are said to be keeping tabs on one of Viktor Gyokeres' team-mates, who already had a trial with the club and appears to be open to a move in the future
14:42, 30 May 2025Updated 14:53, 30 May 2025
Gent's Momodou Lamin Sonko pictured as he arrives at the stadium before a soccer match between KAA Gent and Royal Antwerp
Swedish youngster Momodou Sonko could use compatriot Viktor Gyokeres for inspiration as he talks up interest from Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
New Premier League champions Liverpool are sure to have a tally of household names on their shopping list this summer.
But one surprise name popping up is Momodou Sonko, who has supposedly caught the eye of Arne Slot's outfit despite a failed trial in the past. And Sonko himself has hinted at a potential Anfield transfer after enduring a challenging first full season with Belgian outfit Gent. He could do worse than to take inspiration from Sweden squad mate Viktor Gyokeres, who has carved his own path to superstardom from obscurity.
Former Coventry City forward Gyokeres, 26, has rocketed from Championship asset to one of Europe's most sought-after talents in no time at all. Since signing with Sporting CP in 2023, he's banged in an astonishing 97 goals in 102 appearances, showcasing just how swiftly things can change in football.
Sonko, 20, had a fleeting taste of life in Liverpool back in 2017 during a trial stint, which didn't pan out as hoped. Yet the winger insists the Reds have kept tabs on him since then, suggesting they may yet be interested in a move.
"The way I look at it is that they were already interested there, and I went there and tried it out a bit," he told Expressen while speaking at Sweden's under-21 training camp. "I felt I was a little too young to move, but they have continued to keep an eye on me."
Viktor Gyokeres celebrates after winning the Portuguese title with Sporting CP
Gyokeres has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past couple of seasons(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Sonko has earned a spot in Sweden's senior squad in the past but is yet to make his first team bow under Jon Dahl Tomasson. However, it's widely anticipated it's only a matter of time before Gent's record signing steps up to the international big leagues.
The gem netted four goals and chalked up three assists in 21 starts (40 appearances in total) for Gent this season. He worked his way into the XI midway through the campaign but found it tough to build on his previous promise at Hacken.
When quizzed about how close he came to donning the Reds' jersey in the past, he responded: "I don't actually know. I was in Hacken and tried not to think too much about sales. Then it happened quite quickly and suddenly I was in Ghent. I don't really have a good idea."
While he may not be part of Liverpool's ranks, Sonko didn't hold back in singing the club's praises for their stellar season. The Reds narrowly missed out on an historic treble in Slot's debut season at the helm, and it's safe to say Sonko is a fan of the Dutchman's work.
Gent's Momodou Lamin Sonko celebrates after scoring during a soccer match between KVC Westerlo and KAA Gent
Sonko, 20, is Gent's record signing but struggled to match his potential this season(Image: BRUNO FAHY/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
"Yes, absolutely incredible. They have been superior in the Premier League," he continued. "They looked very strong in the Champions League too before they had a tough match [against] PSG. It has been an incredibly good season. A very good debut season for the coaches too."
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Those words could prove promising if he continues to develop and catches Liverpool's eye in the future. Sweden has churned out a host of thrilling attackers in recent years, with Sonko aiming to follow in the footsteps of countrymen like Gyokeres, Alexander Isak and Anthony Elanga.
Two of the three are currently showcasing their skills in the Premier League and making a significant impact. Though the contingent could increase by one if Gyokeres swaps Lisbon for England this summer.
It's been more than 30 years since Glenn Hysen, the sole Swede to have donned the Liverpool jersey, wore the team's colours. However, Sonko could potentially break that dry spell if he continues his upward trajectory in Belgium's Pro League.