Report: Liverpool set to shake up forward line with key transfer decision | OneFootball

Diaz Exit Could Trigger Blockbuster Deal

Anfield’s recruitment drive shows no sign of slowing as Arne Slot targets Anthony Gordon to spearhead a refreshed attacking era.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon remains a live discussion at Anfield, with sources indicating the Reds are weighing up a summer swoop for the 23-year-old—if certain transfer dominos fall their way.

Gordon, a boyhood Liverpool fan and one of the Premier League’s breakout stars last season, is viewed internally as a perfect stylistic fit for Arne Slot’s dynamic, pressing-oriented system. The former Everton man produced 12 goals and 11 assists in 2024/25, combining raw pace with intelligent movement and composure in the final third. It’s no surprise then that his name features high on Liverpool’s shortlist.

However, any move hinges on the future of Colombian international Luis Díaz. The 28-year-old, who remains under contract at Anfield, is attracting significant attention from clubs including PSG, Barcelona, and Saudi giants Al-Nassr. Sources close to the deal suggest Liverpool would entertain offers in the region of £80 million—a valuation the Saudi Pro League may be willing to meet.

Gordon the Ideal Diaz Successor?

Should Díaz depart, Liverpool would have both the financial means and a vacancy in the front line—opening the door for Gordon’s arrival. While no official bid has been made and no direct talks have taken place between the clubs, internal optimism remains high at Anfield. Club figures believe they could convince Newcastle to sell, particularly given the Tyneside club’s need to remain compliant with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Newcastle, for their part, are reluctant to lose Gordon, whom Eddie Howe sees as a cornerstone of his long-term project. But with a valuation set at around £80m, they may be forced to consider serious offers if their financial balancing act becomes unsustainable.

TEAMtalk understands Gordon is not pushing for a move and remains happy at St James’ Park. However, the prospect of returning to Merseyside—this time in red—holds immense appeal. Liverpool’s previous attempt to sign him last summer came close to fruition before Newcastle’s financial situation stabilised.

A Statement of Intent from the Slot Era

If the move materialises, Gordon would become a flagship signing of the Slot era, showcasing the club’s ambition to reinvigorate their squad with youth, versatility, and Premier League-proven talent. It would also represent something of a coup: signing a local-born player who previously starred for Everton but now aspires to light up Anfield.

Liverpool’s summer rebuild is already well underway. Dutch full-back Jeremie Frimpong has joined the ranks, and deals for Hungarian left-back Milos Kerkez and German playmaker Florian Wirtz are said to be in advanced stages. Slot has already promised an “exciting summer” to supporters—and early signs suggest the club are determined to back his words with action.

For Liverpool, Anthony Gordon represents not just a tactical asset but a symbolic one—a statement that under new leadership, the club still intends to play among Europe’s elite.

The radar chart offers a compelling statistical comparison between Anthony Gordon and Luis Díaz, two dynamic wingers potentially at the centre of a high-profile swap this summer. Analysing their percentile rankings over the last 365 days against fellow attacking midfielders and wingers, it’s clear that both offer elite-level output—but in distinctly different ways.

Anthony Gordon, the Newcastle livewire, impresses most with his attacking efficiency. He ranks exceptionally high in non-penalty expected goals (npxG) and total shots, showing he frequently gets into high-value shooting areas. His combined metric of npxG + xAG (expected assisted goals) underscores his ability to both finish chances and create them, reflecting his status as a dual-threat attacker. Interestingly, Gordon lags slightly behind Díaz in progressive carries and successful take-ons, suggesting he’s more of a final-third operator than a transitional dribbler.

In contrast, Luis Díaz profiles as a classic high-volume winger. His percentile dominance in progressive carries, successful take-ons, and touches in the attacking penalty area is pronounced. He thrives in ball progression and one-on-one duels, helping Liverpool beat defensive structures and pin opponents deep. Díaz also shows strong output in shot-creating actions, highlighting his creative edge.

However, Gordon edges the Colombian in goals, xG, and assists—critical metrics for end product. While Díaz’s game is built on volume and movement, Gordon has arguably been more decisive in key attacking moments. His defensive output, including tackles and interceptions, also appears more balanced—perhaps a reflection of Eddie Howe’s pressing demands at Newcastle.

Where Díaz really shines is in possession metrics. His pass completion and passes attempted show a comfort in link-up play, especially in systems that value ball control in advanced areas. Gordon, while slightly less polished in this area, may benefit from working under Arne Slot, who is expected to demand technical sharpness and pressing intelligence.

In essence, the data suggests Gordon is a more efficient, goal-danger winger, while Díaz is an explosive, space-creating dribbler. Slot’s tactical system—likely to blend high pressing with positional play—may favour Gordon’s sharpness and end product, especially if Liverpool wish to increase their attacking output from wide areas.

If Liverpool do pull the trigger on a swap, they may be trading a dazzling dribbler for a more direct, efficient attacker—one who still has room to grow at 23 and fits the statistical and emotional profile of a future Anfield favourite.