Journalist Dismisses Liverpool Links to Delap and Joao Pedro | OneFootball

Liverpool Forward Line Under Review Ahead of Transfer Window

Liverpool may be on the cusp of Premier League glory, but attention at Anfield is already turning towards a summer of strategic recalibration. According to Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail, major decisions are looming regarding the future of the Reds’ frontline — and some familiar faces may not be part of Arne Slot’s long-term blueprint.

At the centre of the discussion lies Darwin Núñez. Once heralded as the natural successor to the club’s iconic No.9 role, the Uruguayan’s third season on Merseyside has failed to convince. Despite flashes of brilliance and tireless endeavour, Núñez’s end product has been modest: just four goals across all competitions, with only seven Premier League starts to his name. Of his 35 total appearances, 23 have come from the bench.

His diminishing role under Slot, coupled with a continued lack of composure in front of goal, has fuelled speculation over a potential exit this summer.

Photo IMAGO

Diaz Future Also Uncertain

Luis Díaz, too, faces an uncertain future. Despite early promise under Slot, the Colombian has found consistency elusive. His numbers tell a sobering story: prior to the recent international break, he had scored just once in 18 appearances.

Fabrizio Romano has suggested Saudi Arabian clubs may come knocking, and it’s not hard to see why. Díaz remains technically gifted and industrious, but Liverpool may feel that now is the time to cash in, particularly if reinforcements are on the horizon.

Photo: IMAGO

Transfer Links Surface but Lack Substance

In light of the growing uncertainty surrounding Núñez and Díaz, Liverpool have been linked with several attacking options — most notably Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and Brighton’s Joao Pedro. But Merseyside reporter Lewis Steele has poured cold water on these reports.

“Liam Delap at Ipswich has been mentioned a lot, but I do not think he is a viable candidate – a great player, though – and Joao Pedro of Brighton is similar,” Steele wrote in Liverpool Confidential.

“There has been talk that Liverpool have lodged an interest in the Brazilian but I don’t believe this to be true at this stage.”

It’s a telling clarification, and one that suggests Liverpool’s recruitment team are casting a wider net behind the scenes. Slot’s style demands intelligent movement, technical proficiency, and positional discipline — traits that not every rumoured target currently possesses.

Photo: IMAGO

Strategic Patience Key to Rebuild

With potential exits and limited concrete links, this summer’s business will likely hinge on who leaves first. Liverpool’s hierarchy are unlikely to make knee-jerk signings. Instead, they’ll prioritise value, versatility, and the ability to evolve within Slot’s system.

In that context, names like Pedro and Delap may be speculative at best. Liverpool have no shortage of scouts and analysts. If replacements are needed, rest assured the right profiles are already being tracked — just not in the headlines yet.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This is one of those uneasy summers where you sense big change coming — and you’re not entirely sure who’ll be left standing. Darwin’s a hard player to dislike. He runs, he presses, he causes chaos. But football is cruel when the goals don’t follow. And right now, you can’t help but feel we need more reliability in the final third.

As for Díaz, he flatters to deceive. His work rate can’t be faulted, but his finishing and decision-making haven’t matched his technical ability. If Saudi money really is on the table, then it might be time to reinvest.

Steele’s comments on Delap and Pedro are spot on. Both talented, both promising — but neither are immediate upgrades. And that’s the key. We need game-changers, not just squad depth. Slot will have a system in place, but he needs the right tools to make it click.

This isn’t just about refreshing the squad. It’s about making sure we don’t stand still. Because in modern football, standing still is just falling behind slowly.