Liverpool Could be Set to Sell Star Forward in 2025 – Opinion | OneFootball

Is Jota The 2025 Summer Sale That Makes Sense?

I recall writing a piece in the summer of 2023, where I considered whether the £70m sale of Diogo Jota would be a smart move by the LFC hierarchy, so that a move for a more robust option could be explored. At that time (and before his subsequent ban), Ivan Toney was a figure that I admired and felt that his presence, in-game intelligence, goal scoring acumen, and elevated fitness record, would add to the Liverpool stable of attackers, if the reds injury prone attacker moves on.

As widely expected, the former Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp, decided to repel all speculation linking the Portuguese striker with a move to Newcastle, so that he could emerge as the most prominent centre forward in Liverpool’s 2023/24 campaign. Within a season where 15-goals were netted in 32-games played, it represented a fine return in the wake of the departed Anfield legend, Roberto Firmino.

Photo: IMAGO

Following ten games played this season (by the former Wolves man), four goals have been scored as part of a solid if unspectacular period since mid-August. Due to an injury incurred against visiting Chelsea (on the Sunday before last), the injury plagued star is now set to miss much of November as he recuperates from a rib injury. This circumstance is just another example of the commonality that restricts the game time of the 27-year-old, essentially since he arrived on Merseyside in the summer of 2020.

Could A Sale of Diogo Be Possible in 2025?

Under new leadership and with any long-standing sentiment leaving the AXA Training Centre alongside the former German manager, Klopp, I suspect a more serious approach to regeneration will be undertaken by the club. As the new Sporting CEO, Michael Edwards, continues to bed into his new and elevated role, he will surely task his newly appointed Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, with a remit to ensure availability within Arne Slots future squad.

In a world where the likes of Jordan Henderson and James Milner were allowed to continually regress under the old regime, the future signing of Valencia stopper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, clearly indicates a desire to ensure players are replaced well ahead of their inevitable drop off. Alisson Becker is already missing with a hamstring complaint this season, which makes the future proofing between the nets a sound long term decision that was secured in the month of August.

Regarding the reds popular no.20, Diogo Jota, he is due to turn 28-years of age before the turn of the year and may well be sacrificed for new blood at the close of this season. His stock will still be very high at that point and with money always readily available within these borders (and those of Saudi Arabia), a substantial amount could be attained to deliver a new centre forward.

Photo: IMAGO

Who Would Be the Likely Target?

If the 46-cap Portugal international were to be sold on, it would see Darwin Núñez thrust into the limelight as the primary no.9. Given that Jayden Danns is still 18-months away from being a potential first team option, his likely loan next season would require an established replacement for the outgoing penalty box poacher, Jota. The name of Viktor Gyökeres has floated around Europe ever since his move to Sporting Lisbon (from Coventry for £16m) in the summer of 2023.

Photo: IMAGO

Following a remarkable first season in Portugal’s Primeira Liga (where he scored 43-goals), his tantalizing skillset and killer touch in front of goal may make for the perfect Liverpool addition. This season alone has seen the cultured Swede hitman net 14-goals in just 14-games, whilst offering the same stylish output as England’s own Harry Kane. That type of in game intelligence and culture would appear to fit perfectly with the new Liverpool head coach, Arne Slot, therefore, a £60m move may well materialize at the end of this campaign.

Regardless of how highly we all rate our infectious and highly skilled hitman, Diogo Jota, availability is a commodity that will be assessed within this new era, which could make the remainder of this term significant to what comes next.