Liverpool Make Major Move for Viktor Gyรถkeres as Slot Targets Striking Reinforcement
June 29, 2025 โ Liverpool, England
Liverpool have initiated formal contact with Sporting CP over a potential transfer for Swedish striker Viktor Gyรถkeres, as Arne Slot continues reshaping the squad to defend the Premier League title and mount a serious Champions League campaign.
The 26-year-old forward, widely regarded as one of Europeโs most complete strikers, has emerged as Liverpoolโs top attacking target after moves for Alexander Isak and Victor Osimhen proved financially unfeasible. With a release clause of ยฃ68 million, Gyรถkeres represents a more cost-effective yet elite-level solution to Liverpoolโs No. 9 dilemma.
From Championship to Continental Force
Gyรถkeres has undergone a meteoric rise since his move from Coventry City to Sporting in 2023. Last season, he racked up a staggering 43 goals and 15 assists in 50 appearances, including a memorable Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City that reportedly caught the eye of Liverpool scouts.
In Liga Portugal, he netted 23 times in 33 games, adding 56 key passes, 87 completed dribbles, and 12 headed goalsโillustrating a powerful mix of movement, aerial threat, and playmaking skill. Slot, known for deploying a dynamic 4-2-3-1 system, views Gyรถkeres as the perfect fit to lead the line and create space for the likes of Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah.
Strategic Overhaul Underway
Liverpoolโs summer spending has already surpassed ยฃ185 million, with headline arrivals including:
- Florian Wirtz (ยฃ116m)
- Milos Kerkez (ยฃ40m)
- Jeremie Frimpong (ยฃ29.5m)
- Armin Pecsi (ยฃ1.5m)
The club is also trimming the squad, notably selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for ยฃ35 million, and potentially offloading Darwin Nรบรฑez and Federico Chiesa to Napoli, while fitness concerns continue to hover over Diogo Jota.
Why Gyรถkeres?
Gyรถkeres offers something Liverpool has lacked consistently since Roberto Firminoโs peak years: a striker who can combine intelligent pressing, clinical finishing, and link-up play. Former teammate Callum OโHare once called him โunplayableโ, and many pundits compare his style to Erling Haaland, albeit with more balance in hold-up and distribution.
Despite competition from Manchester United and Arsenal, Liverpool are seen as front-runners due to:
- Slotโs tactical vision
- The promise of first-team football
- The chance to link up with creators like Wirtz (104 key passes last season) and Salah
Sporting are open to negotiating around the release clause, but may seek add-ons that push the fee above ยฃ75 million.
Fan Reaction & Whatโs Next
Social media is buzzing with excitement over the potential deal. One user posted: โWirtz feeding Gyรถkeres? Thatโs 30 goals a season guaranteed.โ Another noted: โFinally, a striker who fits our system and doesnโt cost ยฃ150m.โ
With the Club World Cup on the horizon and Liverpool aiming for silverware on multiple fronts, securing Gyรถkeres could prove to be the defining move of Slotโs first full season in charge.
