Liverpool are in the process of going all out for Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon as they look to make their first signing of the summer – as of the time of writing.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Gordon remains the subject of interest from Liverpool. It is believed that the Reds are prepared to go all out to sign the 23-year-old from Newcastle United before the end of the summer transfer window and are willing to cough up €65-70 million to secure his services.
As of the time of writing, the Reds are the only Premier League club yet to make any signings this summer and they are looking to change that by snapping up the former Everton man. To that effect, Liverpool tickets will also see a surge in demand for the 2024/25 season.
Liverpool’s interest in Gordon
Without any doubt, Liverpool’s interest in Anthony Gordon is quite understandable. Arne Slot’s side is looking to have more men on the wings pending the possible departure of either Mohamed Salah or Luis Diaz. Although both players might still be at Anfield for this season, there are no guarantees that they will be at the club after the next 12 months.
Given the above, the Reds are looking to invest in another young attacker in preparation for their possible exits. Despite the interest in Gordon, it is not certain whether the €65-70 million fee will be enough to sign him from Newcastle United.
However, Newcastle United will likely look to keep hold of the England international for another season despite the pressure from the Merseyside side.
Gordon’s career at Newcastle United so far
Gordon’s career has seen a magnificent rise in the last 18 months. He moved to Tyneside in January 2023 from Everton just six months after he nearly left the club for the London club, Chelsea.
The 23-year-old has played 64 games thus far for Newcastle United scoring 13 goals and 11 assists. In addition, Gordon’s exploits helped Newcastle to a first Champions League appearance in years before he went on to feature for the Three Lions in March.
Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon’s slow but steady progress at Newcastle United has not gone unnoticed, with Liverpool at the forefront of teams jostling for his signature.
Liverpool’s lack of signings – what is the problem?
As of the time of writing, there is only one Premier League team who have not signed a single player this summer – Liverpool. The other 19 teams have made at least a signing as we look forward to the new campaign.
Manchester, United have signed Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, while City have signed Savinho. In London, Arsenal have signed David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori. Chelsea have signed the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Omari Kellyman, and a couple of others.
Most of the teams in the Premier League are looking to improve their squads regardless of the disappointment or achievement. On the other hand, new Liverpool manager Arne Slot is yet to make his first signing, as the club’s hierarchy is monitoring the situation of things.
While several fans have been clamouring for the club to make some signings with their comments on social media, Liverpool’s lack of movement could be a good sign as mentioned in The Athletic by experts James Pearce, Gregg Evans, and Andy Jones.
The duo explained that: “Liverpool arrive home from this three-game tour on August 4 and when they reassemble at Kirkby training ground, Slot should finally have his full squad together for the first time.
“It should be much clearer by then exactly what’s required for the season ahead, who is available, and at what price. Business will happen before then if the right opportunity comes up, and money is available.”
Jurgen Klopp’s nearly a decade stint came to an end last season and the Reds are taking things slowly with Slot. Patience is key in the transfer market especially when a new manager comes in.
Liverpool has a solid squad at the moment, however, they need some cover for in a couple of positions and that might be the reason why they have not gone gun-blazing in this summer transfer window.
The Reds need to either replace Trent Alexander-Arnold or get him a backup, another centre-back to fill in for the departed Joel Matip, in midfield to replace Thiago Alcantara and probably another winger.
Despite the current needs of the team, the new head coach will need to be familiar with his new squad and see what they are all capable of before looking for adequate reinforcements if need be.
Liverpool’s management structure has changed this summer with Michael Edwards returning to the club and Richard Hughes arriving as some of the significant changes as they look to build a new Liverpool.
Liverpool last went this far into the summer without making a signing in 1996 and it is clear that if a signing is to be made the decision will be considered and thought over extensively before pen is put to paper.
“It’s a very talented squad.” Hughes said in a recent press conference but then added “We need to improve” via an “opportunistic” transfer strategy which could prove to be necessary in a market with inflated prices and greed.
Even without a major signing, Liverpool, who are playing the long game in the transfer market, can still compete in the Premier League with the current squad and it is only a matter of time.
Speaking after Liverpool’s 3-0 win against Manchester United, Arne Slot hinted that he was pleased with his current squad, saying: “Very positive, I think. Of course, the results, what’s where everybody is looking at. But players stayed fit and they can perform in the way we want, so [a] high-intensity game.”
“We saw some great goals during this tour, some great build-up situations and I see them working hard not to concede. Like I said, today I think we gave away too many chances, United deserved more than a 3-0 loss. But it’s also our quality that we do score our chances”.
