Liverpool Make Major Move for Viktor Gyökeres as Slot Targets Striking Reinforcement
June 29, 2025 – Liverpool, England
Liverpool have initiated formal contact with Sporting CP over a potential transfer for Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, 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 Europe’s most complete strikers, has emerged as Liverpool’s top attacking target after moves for Alexander Isak and Victor Osimhen proved financially unfeasible. With a release clause of £68 million, Gyökeres represents a more cost-effective yet elite-level solution to Liverpool’s No. 9 dilemma.
From Championship to Continental Force
Gyökeres 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 goals—illustrating a powerful mix of movement, aerial threat, and playmaking skill. Slot, known for deploying a dynamic 4-2-3-1 system, views Gyökeres as the perfect fit to lead the line and create space for the likes of Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah.
Strategic Overhaul Underway
Liverpool’s summer spending has already surpassed £185 million, with headline arrivals including:
- Florian Wirtz (£116m)
- Milos Kerkez (£40m)
- Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m)
- Armin Pecsi (£1.5m)
The club is also trimming the squad, notably selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35 million, and potentially offloading Darwin Núñez and Federico Chiesa to Napoli, while fitness concerns continue to hover over Diogo Jota.
Why Gyökeres?
Gyökeres offers something Liverpool has lacked consistently since Roberto Firmino’s peak years: a striker who can combine intelligent pressing, clinical finishing, and link-up play. Former teammate Callum O’Hare once called him “unplayable”, 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:
- Slot’s 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 £75 million.
Fan Reaction & What’s Next
Social media is buzzing with excitement over the potential deal. One user posted: “Wirtz feeding Gyökeres? That’s 30 goals a season guaranteed.” Another noted: “Finally, a striker who fits our system and doesn’t cost £150m.”
With the Club World Cup on the horizon and Liverpool aiming for silverware on multiple fronts, securing Gyökeres could prove to be the defining move of Slot’s first full season in charge.
