Liverpool ‘Unlikely’ to Target These Two Premier League Strikers – Journalist | OneFootball

Liverpool Unlikely to Target Liam Delap or João Pedro, Says Lewis Steele

With summer recruitment plans already in motion at Anfield, Liverpool’s search for a new striker is intensifying. But while many names have been floated across the rumour mill, Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele has cast doubt over two of the more frequently mentioned players — Liam Delap of Ipswich Town and João Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion.

Speaking on the Media Matters podcast hosted by Dave Davis for Anfield Index, Steele gave detailed insight into why both forwards are not currently seen as serious options for Liverpool.

Liam Delap Not High on Liverpool’s List

Delap, currently on loan at Ipswich from Manchester City, has attracted interest from several Premier League sides including Manchester United and Chelsea. However, according to Steele, Liverpool’s interest is minimal.

“Man United and Chelsea seem to be the ones that are in the forefront of that race,” said Steele. “He’s very good, but from what I heard, he’s not anywhere near the top of Liverpool’s list at this current moment in time.”

Photo: IMAGO

While Delap’s potential and affordability may appeal if multiple strikers were to leave, Steele added: “If two strikers were to leave and they needed two, then maybe… but I do think you can sort of put a pencil through his name at the moment.”

João Pedro’s Goal Record a Concern

On the subject of João Pedro, the Brazilian forward has been linked with multiple top-flight clubs thanks to his versatility and performances for Brighton. Yet Steele cast doubt over his suitability for Liverpool’s requirements.

“As far as I’m aware, I don’t think that is one [Liverpool are targeting] at the moment,” Steele explained. “Pedro’s goal record isn’t as good as the other people in this conversation either.”

Highlighting a specific weakness, Steele added, “I don’t know if he scores enough goals to lead the line for a team like Liverpool — especially non-penalty goals. I’ve had him in my fantasy team for a while and he’s been letting me down.”

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Striker Search Still Evolving

While neither Delap nor Pedro appear to be at the forefront, Liverpool’s striker shortlist remains fluid. “I don’t really like saying no to any of them because obviously it’s April and things can change,” Steele noted. “There’s plenty of other people that Liverpool will be watching at this current moment in time.”

With transfer priorities expected to sharpen after the title race concludes, and with potential exits looming — particularly in the case of Darwin Núñez — Liverpool will be looking at a variety of options, likely favouring strikers with a proven goalscoring record in elite competition.

Steele also hinted that the club has “probably been drawing up that shortlist for quite a while,” and that key decisions will likely align with the earlier-than-usual summer window, which opens due to the Club World Cup.

No Pen Through, But Pencil Lines Are Drawn

In classic fashion, Steele stopped short of ruling out any moves entirely, stating: “Don’t want to rule anyone out with a pen in case things change.” However, in the cases of Delap and Pedro, it’s clear they are not front-runners.

As Liverpool build for the future under Arne Slot, their striker pursuit will be strategic and data-driven — and for now, the likes of Delap and Pedro seem more like names for the rumour columns than the recruitment boardroom.