Fabrizio Romano Reveals Liverpool Could Sign Striker for £59million This Summer | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Joao Pedro as Darwin Nunez Successor in Summer Shake-Up

In a move that could reshape Liverpool’s forward line, highly-rated Brighton attacker Joao Pedro has emerged as a prime target for the Premier League champions, with trusted transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming that the Brazilian is “open to a new chapter of his career.”

Pedro, 23, has been given the green light to leave Brighton this summer, and Liverpool are prepared to move swiftly to secure a deal worth around £59 million. Romano adds: “Premier League top clubs [are] aware of the opportunity for potential transfer fee around €70m, but final decision up to Brighton. One to watch this summer.”

The Reds’ interest in Pedro is not new. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool’s incoming transfer guru Michael Edwards has tracked Pedro since his days at Watford. With Arne Slot now in place following Jürgen Klopp’s departure, it’s clear the club intends to back the Dutchman with firepower suited to his philosophy.

Nunez Exit Clears the Path

Darwin Nunez’s time at Liverpool appears to be drawing to a close. While the Uruguayan has shown flashes of brilliance, inconsistency has plagued his spell at Anfield. As TEAMtalk notes, “Liverpool will offload Nunez at season’s end after determining the Uruguayan is simply too inconsistent for a club seeking to win multiple major honours each season.”

Nunez has suitors in both Saudi Arabia and Spain, with reports suggesting he has already given his “full approval” to a potential move to Atletico Madrid. His departure paves the way for Pedro, whose ability to play across the frontline appeals strongly to Slot.

Photo: IMAGO

Notably, Pedro isn’t a conventional striker. His adaptability stands out, with the ability to play out wide or in a more creative role behind the main forward. For Slot, who values tactical versatility and fluid attacking movement, Pedro could be the ideal addition.

Impressive Numbers Back Up Pedro’s Rise

Joao Pedro’s performances over the last two seasons speak volumes. In 27 league appearances this term, he has recorded 16 goal contributions (10 goals, six assists), further building on his debut Brighton season where he netted 20 times across all competitions.

These are not empty numbers either. Pedro has showcased maturity, movement and decision-making that have made him a standout at the Amex. At 23, he is entering his prime and with the right coaching, could explode on the elite stage.

TEAMtalk describe him as “Premier League-proven” and “a player Liverpool have admired for a long time,” suggesting that this isn’t a knee-jerk signing but a calculated move aligned with long-term strategy.

Photo: IMAGO

Edwards at the Heart of the Rebuild

The fingerprints of Michael Edwards are once again evident in this summer’s early dealings. From activating Jeremie Frimpong’s £30m clause to moving on Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz, Edwards is orchestrating a dynamic and ambitious rebuild for Liverpool post-Klopp.

TEAMtalk reports that “Edwards’ interest in Pedro dates all the way back to his Watford days,” underscoring the consistency in Liverpool’s recruitment planning. With FSG finally ready to open the chequebook again, Edwards is the right man to ensure they spend smartly.

If this deal is pushed through before the window opens on June 1, it could signal a new era of decisive and proactive recruitment from Liverpool—one that blends analytics, instinct, and strategic vision.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s a cautious optimism brewing among Liverpool fans regarding this potential move. On paper, Joao Pedro is not a like-for-like Nunez replacement—he’s arguably more complete, technically refined, and tactically versatile. And that’s precisely what makes this so exciting.

Pedro’s ability to operate in multiple roles across the frontline would give Arne Slot tremendous flexibility. Imagine a fluid front three where Pedro, Diaz, and Salah interchange seamlessly. Add in the intelligent running of Wirtz (if that deal is completed), and Liverpool could be even more dangerous than they were under Klopp.

The club’s ambition under Slot—fresh off a stunning Premier League title in his debut season—is clear. This isn’t a side looking to consolidate. This is a side building a dynasty. Nunez, for all his energy and chaos, was never truly the right stylistic fit. Pedro feels like a forward more in tune with what Slot demands.

There are, of course, risks. £59m is not a small fee, and Pedro’s injury record should be closely monitored. But with Michael Edwards at the wheel again and FSG showing renewed financial muscle, this feels like another calculated risk worth taking.

One thing’s certain: Liverpool are no longer sleeping giants in the transfer market. They’re wide awake and ready to pounce.