Jurgen Klopp’s managerial search is reaching a climax as he leaves Anfield at the end of the season. With Xabi Alonso having announced that he will stay in Germany, he is believed to be in contact with Sporting’s Ruben Amorim’s agent, with reports circulating that a basic agreement has been reached.
As the 39-year-old’s young commanding role at Anfield draws closer, rumours are beginning to emerge of a possible move for a player from Sporting. In addition to Portuguese defender Goncalo Inácio, who has been of interest since last year, Liverpool are also eyeing the striker, who has been scoring in Liga Bewin this season.
According to HITC, Amorim is hoping to bring in Swedish international Viktor Gyökeres from his current team to take over at Liverpool, indicating his desire to have a well-known player up front.
The 25-year-old striker, who has also had spells at Brighton, joined the Portuguese club from Coventry in the transfer market last summer. Despite only being in his first season, he has already scored 36 goals this season and leads the attack with ’16’ assists.
As well as his high decision-making ability, he is also an attractive defender, using his strong physicality to battle with defenders. He can score goals not only with his right foot, but also with his left foot and head, and his extensive experience in the Championship is an advantage in terms of familiarity with English football.
Although he has not played in the Premier League, he is likely to be a good stimulus for current attackers, many of whom are forwards who miss decisions. He also has more dexterity than Uruguayan international Darwin Nunez and is expected to play to make the most of his surroundings.
In any case, it will first of all depend on the appointment of a Portuguese coach. Furthermore, the Swedish forward, who is under contract until June 2028, is likely to be difficult to acquire on the cheap.
It will be interesting to see what Liverpool’s squad will look like next season.