Liverpool could spend heavily this summer to make up for Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
Liverpool scouts were reportedly despatched to Portugal on Sunday to have a closer look at three potential summer transfer targets. Michael Edwards, the club’s Football CEO, has already begun working on a recruitment strategy for life following Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
Ruben Amorim, the manager of Sporting Lisbon, appears to be in prime position to take over at Anfield once Klopp stands down. He oversaw a 3-0 victory over Vitoria de Guimaraes on Sunday, with in-form striker Viktor Gyokeres scoring twice and Pedro Goncalves adding a goal.
According to HITC, Liverpool scouts were in attendance, with Gyokeres their primary attention. Promising defender Goncalo Inacio and imposing center midfielder Morten Hjulmand are also said to be on the Reds’ radar.
All three stars played the entire 90 minutes as Sporting resumed their march toward their first Portuguese league title since 2021, with Benfica 10 points adrift.
The scouting tour is an early indication that Liverpool is taking real steps ahead of the summer transfer market, when new football manager Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes can demonstrate their worth to fans.
Gyokeres has been a huge success since leaving Coventry City for Sporting last summer, scoring 34 goals in 29 league games. The 25-year-old striker might be available for £69 million at the end of the season, according to sources.
Sporting have reportedly set the same high price for Denmark international Hjulmand, who joined the Portuguese club from Lecce in 2023. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur could compete for the 24-year-old’s signing unless Liverpool acts swiftly.
Meanwhile, Inacio is locked by a contract that reportedly has a £52 million release clause. Buying all three players might cost Liverpool a total of £190 million, however Sporting would undoubtedly fight if they lose their highly regarded manager Amorim.
The Reds are apparently interested in the 39-year-old after Xabi Alonso agreed to stay with Bayer Leverkusen for another season. Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi and Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann are regarded to have lower priority than Amorim.
Although it may be difficult for Liverpool to pay enough money to entice Gyokeres, Hjulmand, and teenage centre-back Inacio from Portugal, room on the salary bill is expected to open up this summer with Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip both on their way out.
