Liverpool Weigh Up Anthony Gordon Pursuit as Diaz Future Remains Uncertain

Liverpool are navigating the summer transfer window with a keen eye on reinforcing their attacking options. Following a season where inconsistent finishing proved costly at times, particularly from costly signing Darwin Nunez, the club is assessing various targets.

Colombian winger Luis Diaz, a dynamic and often brilliant presence, has played a vital role, sometimes deputising centrally under the new tactical approach. However, with his contract entering its final two years, and reports linking him with moves away to clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and teams in Saudi Arabia, his long-term future at Anfield appears less than certain. While club leadership initially seemed content to let his contract run its course, the persistent interest and the player`s reported openness to a change might necessitate a decision this summer.

Despite the recent significant arrival of Florian Wirtz in a British record deal, should Diaz depart, a direct replacement with similar qualities and versatility would be a strategic necessity to maintain squad depth and attacking flexibility.

Liverpool`s £100m Gordon Interest

This context brings Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon into sharp focus. Reports suggest Liverpool are planning to launch a bid for the English international before the transfer deadline. This isn`t the first time Gordon has been linked with a return to Merseyside, having been a Liverpool academy player until the age of 11. Speculation last summer also connected him with a move, which didn`t materialise.

While Gordon is understood to be receptive to the idea of joining Liverpool, Newcastle`s valuation presents a significant hurdle. The Magpies reportedly value their prized asset at a cool £100 million. In the ever-inflated football market, perhaps this is merely the price of doing business for a top English talent, but it certainly raises an eyebrow or two.

Why Gordon Might Fit at Anfield

For those who might question such a hefty price tag, Liverpool`s recruitment track record under figures like Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, supported by their highly-regarded data analysis department, should inspire confidence. Time and again, the club has identified and successfully integrated players who initially prompted debate but went on to thrive. Can Gordon follow that path?

While Luis Diaz is currently a more established and polished player, Anthony Gordon`s recent progression cannot be ignored. After his move from Everton, he rapidly became a key figure for Newcastle, culminating in winning their Player of the Year award for the 2023/24 season. His output last term was impressive, contributing 26 goals (scoring or assisting) in the Premier League. For comparison, Diaz registered 25 direct goal contributions across all competitions for Liverpool in the same period. This statistical parity suggests Gordon possesses the tangible impact required at the top level.

His development under Arne Slot`s coaching could potentially elevate his game further, much like how Slot has influenced players such as Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch. Despite some injury issues that impacted him slightly last season, Gordon has demonstrated an ability to perform under pressure and contribute when his team needs him most – a trait Diaz also showcased admirably.

Crucially, Gordon offers positional versatility, much like Diaz. While he prefers the left wing, where he`s famously described himself as `a nightmare for anyone`, his statistics show he has featured across the frontline and even in attacking midfield for Newcastle. This adaptability aligns perfectly with Liverpool`s dynamic tactical approach.

Liverpool`s history is built on an inherent ability to evolve, adapt, and overcome challenges, whether tactical, personnel-based, or financial. The potential pursuit of Anthony Gordon, despite the significant fee involved, underscores this characteristic. It`s a move that reflects trust in the club`s analytical capabilities and faith in a young, proven Premier League talent to step into potentially big shoes and continue the team`s trajectory under new management.