Liverpool have reached the business stretch of the 2025/26 campaign, and there's no question that Arne Slot's tenure hangs in the balance.
Twice under Jurgen Klopp's management, the Reds suffered what you might call 'testing seasons', injuries ravaging Liverpool's Premier League title defence in 2020/21 before the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho ran out of steam in 2023/24.
Here's the key difference. Both times under Klopp, Liverpool found form in the final months of the season, putting their errors to rights and rallying. There is little sign of that under Slot this season, having been dispatched by Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in the FA Cup and Champions League respectively, both defeats arriving via 4-0 scorelines.
Klopp's Silverware at Liverpool
Competition
Premier League
Champions League
FA Cup
Carabao Cup
Club World Cup
UEFA Super Cup
Community Shield
Now, change is needed, and while Slot's future is uncertain, FSG are in concert that attacking changes are needed. Let's just hope Liverpool and earn their place in next year's Champions League proper. Failure to do so would jeapordise the squad's plans.
Liverpool already in talks for Premier League attacker
Since joining Liverpool in what was briefly a British-record £115m deal, Florian Wirtz has ebbed and flowed, to put it mildly.
To put it in blunter terms, the German playmaker hasn't hit anywhere close to the standards anticipated when he arrived, billed as a superstar.
The 22-year-old has encountered tough and unforgiving conditions on Merseyside, though, and there remains belief in his world-class potential. He does need help though, especially with Hugo Ekitike having ruptured his Achilles and Mohamed Salah set to depart on a free transfer this summer.
According to TEAMtalk, help could arrive in the form of Anthony Gordon, with the Newcastle United forward looking to leave Eddie Howe's project this summer.
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon applauds fans after the match
The England international is eager for a change of scenery, and amid conversations between FSG officials and the player's representatives, considers Anfield his dream destination after leaving Liverpool's academy aged 11.
Liverpool are believed to hold the advantage over Bayern Munich, considering Gordon's preference to return to Merseyside, with a £50m-£70m price tag having been mooted.
Why Anthony Gordon could be the next Wirtz
Gordon is coveted by more clubs than just Liverpool. Namely, Bayern's vested interest could see a repeat of the deal that secured Wirtz's signature last season.
Wirtz had informed Bayer Leverkusen that he wished to leave, and a three-horse race emerged concerning Liverpool, Bayern and Manchester City.
The Reds won, and while Wirtz hasn't yet lived up to the hype, he has the talent to do so, especially if Slot manages to sort out Liverpool's wider tactical imbalances.
Declaring himself a "nightmare for defenders" to deal with, Gordon's versatility is one of his biggest strengths, invariably dangerous whether playing in his preferred left-sided role, or indeed as a makeshift centre-forward, as has been increasingly common at St. James' Park now that Alexander Isak plays for Liverpool.
Anthony Gordon - Career Stats by Position
Position
Left winger
Right winger
Centre-forward
Attacking midfield
This season, there's no question that the 24-year-old has suffered adversity, like Wirtz. However, Gordon has enjoyed a purple patch over the past few weeks, now having posted 17 goals across all competitions for the Tynesiders. He is their top scorer in all competitions this season.
He would certainly provide a contrast to the much-criticised Cody Gakpo on Merseyside next season, with a directness that would perhaps unlock the latent qualities in Wirtz's skillset.
Will Wirtz come good in a Liverpool shirt? That remains to be seen. Likewise, Gordon has a lot to prove in the Premier League, especially if he joins a club like Liverpool.
anthony-gordon-newcastle-sunderland
The pair together could form quite the partnership, with Gordon mimicking the Germany talent in choosing Anfield and joining him in becoming a superstar.
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