Journalist: Could Liverpool Swoop for Sporting Star This January | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Interest in Viktor Gyökeres: A Potential Winter Move?

With the January transfer window fast approaching, Liverpool’s need for an additional striker is increasingly apparent. Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany reports that Liverpool have joined Premier League rivals in pursuit of Sporting CP’s prolific Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish striker’s recent form has attracted attention, with Sporting setting a high price for their star, but Liverpool’s interest signals a potential push to add firepower to their attacking options.

Gyökeres, who moved to Sporting from Coventry City in 2023, has wasted no time making an impact. His tally of 18 goals and 7 assists this season speaks to his effectiveness and versatility, qualities that could fill a pressing gap at Liverpool. Manager Arne Slot is reportedly concerned by the limited choices available up front, with Darwin Nunez as the sole striker following Diogo Jota’s rib injury. Slot recently highlighted this issue after Liverpool’s hard-fought draw against Arsenal, emphasising the need to bolster options if Liverpool are to compete effectively across all fronts.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Approach Amid Premier League Competition

Plettenberg’s report places Liverpool alongside Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham in the race for Gyökeres. These clubs, too, have recognised the value of his goal-scoring capabilities, but Liverpool’s need may be the most urgent. With Sporting’s reported release clause of €100 million, Liverpool could face a tough negotiation, though there are indications that a deal in the range of €60-70 million could be considered next summer.

Gyökeres’ trajectory since his move to Sporting has been nothing short of remarkable, and his quick adaptation to top-tier football aligns with Liverpool’s current requirements. As Plettenberg notes, “Been told despite a release clause set at €100m, there is an agreement that Viktor Gyökeres can leave SportingCP next summer for €60-70m.” However, a move in the January window is reportedly not planned, making Liverpool’s decision on a potential early bid even more crucial.

Gyökeres’ Prolific Form and Liverpool’s Striking Needs

This season’s demanding schedule has underscored Liverpool’s dependency on a single striker. Plettenberg’s analysis shines a spotlight on Gyökeres’ impressive output, which saw him score a remarkable 43 goals last season. For Liverpool, securing a forward with his consistency would be a step towards sustaining their momentum, especially as they contend with rivals for Champions League and domestic success.

Photo IMAGO

With Arne Slot steering the Reds through a challenging fixture list, Liverpool’s pursuit of Gyökeres may mark a significant step in reinforcing their offensive line. A summer bid appears likely, but if circumstances change, Liverpool may well consider a winter move to give Slot the tools he needs to keep pace with top clubs.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool’s interest in Gyökeres presents a mixed bag of excitement and scepticism. On one hand, his scoring record speaks for itself, and Liverpool’s current squad could undoubtedly benefit from his abilities. But fans have also seen the club engage in lengthy, complicated transfer sagas before, and a release clause hovering near €100 million might be enough to keep him out of Liverpool’s reach.

There’s also a question of timing. While Gyökeres could be a game-changer in the summer, a January move seems less likely. Supporters are concerned that by waiting until the summer, Liverpool risk falling short in competitions where depth and quality in the striking department are crucial. With Nunez shouldering much of the load, fans wonder whether the club should prioritise a more immediate solution rather than waiting until Gyökeres’ release clause becomes negotiable.

As Liverpool’s fixture list becomes even more congested, fans hope that the club can act decisively. Gyökeres offers promise, but for now, the Anfield faithful remain cautious about whether Liverpool will commit to bolstering their attack sooner rather than later.