The corridors of Anfield are currently filled with a sense of urgency as Liverpool’s leadership begins to navigate the fallout of a surprisingly lackluster title defense. Despite a staggering investment of £450 million during the previous summer window, the club finds itself in a precarious sixth position in the Premier League table.
With the FA Cup currently taking center stage, the pressure on head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes has reached a boiling point. The narrative of the season has shifted from a quest for dominance to a desperate scramble for a top-four finish and a piece of silverware to salvage what many fans consider a failing campaign.
To fix the deep-seated issues within the squad, the club is once again turning its attention to a familiar face in the North East: Anthony Gordon.
The pursuit of Anthony Gordon has become one of the most persistent storylines in English football. Recent reports suggest that Liverpool have firmly established themselves as the frontrunners to secure the services of the former Everton winger.
While domestic rivals such as Arsenal and Manchester City have also expressed significant interest, the emotional pull of Merseyside appears to be the deciding factor. Gordon, who grew up in the area, reportedly views a move to Anfield as his preferred destination.
However, securing his signature will be neither simple nor cheap. It is estimated that Newcastle United will demand a fee in the region of £100 million to even consider parting with one of their most influential players.
The relationship between the two clubs remains complicated, largely due to the tensions surrounding the previous Alexander Isak saga. History shows that a deal for Gordon was nearly finalized in the summer of 2024. At that time, Newcastle were under immense pressure to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
A move to Liverpool was essentially agreed upon as a way to balance the books. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Newcastle managed to raise the necessary funds by selling Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh instead. Once the financial pressure eased, the Magpies abruptly pulled the plug on Gordon’s move, leaving Liverpool frustrated.
If the Reds intend to return to the negotiating table this summer, they can expect Newcastle to play hardball, especially as the player has reportedly rejected recent efforts to extend his stay at St. James’ Park.
While the potential hundred-million-pound outlay for Gordon would dominate the headlines, Liverpool’s recruitment team is also looking for smarter, more cost-effective ways to bolster the squad. The defensive line, in particular, has been identified as an area requiring immediate reinforcement following a quiet January window.
This search for value has led the Reds to the Italian capital, where Turkish international Zeki Celik is making waves by rejecting a lucrative new contract offer from Roma.
At 28 years old, Celik represents a rare opportunity in the free-agent market. His refusal to sign a new deal in Italy has effectively paved the way for a high-profile exit this summer. Liverpool are not alone in their admiration; European giants AC Milan and Juventus are also monitoring the situation closely. Celik’s appeal lies in his versatility.
While primarily a right-back, his experience playing in the heart of the defense during his time at Lille where he was previously scouted by Manchester United and Tottenham makes him an attractive “utility” option for Arne Slot.
For a Liverpool side that has struggled with depth and consistency at the back, securing a seasoned international defender for no transfer fee would allow more of the budget to be diverted toward the high-stakes pursuit of attacking talent like Gordon.
As the squad prepares for a return to league action against a struggling Nottingham Forest side, the focus remains on the bigger picture. The hierarchy knows that the current standing is unacceptable for a club of Liverpool’s stature.
The combination of marquee signings and shrewd free transfers is seen as the only way to bridge the gap that has opened up between them and the title challengers. Arne Slot is under no illusions; he needs players who understand the intensity of the Premier League and can provide an immediate spark.
Gordon offers that explosive pace and directness from the wing, while a player like Celik provides the defensive stability and tactical flexibility that has been sorely lacking this term.
The upcoming months will be a test of Liverpool’s resolve and their ability to navigate a transfer market that is increasingly influenced by strict financial regulations. While Newcastle may be reluctant to lose their star man, the lure of Anfield and Gordon’s own desire to return home might eventually force their hand.
For the Liverpool faithful, the hope is that these behind-the-scenes plans will manifest into a squad that looks less like a collection of expensive individuals and more like the cohesive machine that once sat at the pinnacle of European football.
| Player Target | Current Club | Contract Status | Primary Position | Estimated Value |
| Anthony Gordon | Newcastle United | 2 Years Remaining | Left Winger | £90m – £100m |
| Zeki Celik | AS Roma | Expiring (Summer 2026) | Right-Back / CB | Free Transfer |
| Alexander Isak | Newcastle United | Long-term | Striker | £120m+ |
The road ahead is long, and the stakes could not be higher. Winning a trophy this season would provide some much-needed breathing room, but the real work will happen in the boardroom.
Fans will be watching closely to see if Richard Hughes can finally land the targets that slipped through the net last year. If Liverpool can successfully integrate Gordon’s flair with Celik’s discipline, the 2026/27 season might look very different from the struggle they are currently witnessing.
