In the latest Daily Red Podcast, Dave Hendrick gave listeners a clear and passionate rundown on Liverpool’s potential striker moves this summer. With the Reds crowned Premier League champions, all attention now turns to how Arne Slot can elevate his squad. One area of focus? The attack. Hendrick left no doubt: “This is not the end of something, this is the beginning of something really special under this manager.”

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Gyökeres Doing It at Every Level

The standout name in Hendrick’s discussion was Viktor Gyökeres, the Sporting CP forward enjoying a sensational run in Portugal. Hendrick was unequivocal in his praise: “This guy is absolutely outrageous. You do not do what he’s doing without being a special footballer.”

Gyökeres has netted 38 league goals, a figure that dwarfs rivals: “Pavlidis has 18 league goals this season, Samu has 16… Gyökeres has 38. You can add together any two players in the league and he’s scored at least four more than them.”

The former Coventry man has proven his worth in both the Championship and Liga Portugal. Hendrick highlighted his consistency and versatility: “He’s done it in English football in a tough league. He’s gone to Portugal and it’s not just that he’s shone — he looks so far and above everyone else in that league, it’s like he’s playing a different sport.”

Value Over Hype

Critically, Hendrick pushed back against lazy comparisons: “It needs to stop with the Darwin comparisons because Darwin never did this. His season last year was significantly better than the Darwin season that we bought Darwin off the back of.”

While some fans may question Gyökeres’ age — he turns 27 this summer — Hendrick dismissed that concern: “If you want a win-now move, a ready-made goal scorer, he is right there… I think he’s 20 goals a season in the Premier League for four, five, six years.”

Striker Targets: Osimhen, Alvarez, Samu, Pavlidis

Hendrick mentioned other elite targets: Victor Osimhen, Julian Alvarez, and Alexander Isak. But price tags and availability make them unlikely: “Newcastle have no real intention of selling Isak… If they’re in the Champions League and he’s got three years left on his deal, why would they sell?”

Alvarez, though ideal stylistically, is also seen as unrealistic. Hendrick noted: *“He would be incredible… but he’s not gettable.” That’s why Gyökeres makes the most sense — productive, available and proven: “Sporting are open to selling for below his release clause according to all reporting.”

As for others like Samu and Pavlidis, Hendrick was respectful but firm in his rankings: “People have talked about Samu, and I think he’s a really big prospect… Pavlidis at Benfica has been mentioned… but Gyokeres has 38 goals.”

Ready for the Next Evolution

Liverpool’s next chapter under Arne Slot could be defined by how smartly they move in the striker market. Hendrick closed the striker talk by saying: “If we can’t get Isak or Alvarez, Amoura and Gyökeres are right there. Both of them are gettable… Gyökeres could do similar for us as Ruud van Nistelrooy did for United.”

That’s high praise, and a bold prediction. But Hendrick’s case is clear: if Liverpool want immediate output, European experience and physical presence, Gyökeres might just be the answer.

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Arne Slot may be the face of Liverpool’s latest Premier League title, but beneath the surface lies the steady hand of a recruitment team quietly building a dynasty. The Reds’ 5-1 thrashing of Tottenham on the final day – a scoreline so commanding even Gary Neville’s 4-1 pre-match forecast seemed generous – underlined how the club’s squad rebuild is not just ahead of schedule but redefining it entirely.

Cody Gakpo’s transformation from a promising forward to a 17-goal frontman is emblematic of Slot’s effect. The midfield rebuild, too, is nothing short of visionary. In one window, Liverpool dismantled an ageing core and installed a trio in Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister that now ranks among Europe’s elite. Each offers a different tool – Szoboszlai’s ferocity, Gravenberch’s galloping grace, and Mac Allister’s composed steel.

And yet, the true genius of Liverpool’s long-term thinking may lie in the signing of a player who hasn’t kicked a ball under Slot.

Mamardashvili: Waiting in the Wings

Giorgi Mamardashvili is not yet a household name on Merseyside, but Ryan Babel believes the £25 million signing from Valencia could soon become central to the Slot era.

“I know he’s a great talent,” Babel told La Gazzetta Dello Sport Georgia. “I think it’s good that they brought in such a competitor for Alisson. We have a pretty long season ahead of us [next term], which could lead to a lot of injuries, so Mamardashvili’s transfer is the right move in every way.”

Photo: IMAGO

The 23-year-old was a breakout star for Georgia at Euro 2024 and showed both brilliance and blemishes for Valencia this term. His cat-like reflexes were most memorably on display with a penalty save from Vinicius Jr against Real Madrid – a moment that confirmed why Liverpool acted swiftly when his price tag remained within reason.

Planning Beyond Alisson

Alisson Becker remains, at present, the undisputed number one. But as the Brazilian considers his long-term future – amid Saudi interest and growing whispers of an eventual Anfield exit – Liverpool’s proactive move hints at a succession plan already in motion.

It’s not just about replacing stars when they leave. It’s about embedding quality before the void is felt. Caoimhin Kelleher may be the one to make way this summer, yet Mamardashvili’s arrival ensures the level behind Alisson won’t drop an inch.

In Babel’s eyes, Mamardashvili doesn’t need Alisson to leave in order to be vital: “He could also prove integral even if Alisson stays.”

Depth and Competition the Key

This isn’t just a signing for the future; it’s about maintaining relentless standards now. Slot will demand intensity in four competitions next season, and rotation between the sticks – once taboo – could now be a strategic weapon.

Mamardashvili’s height, shot-stopping instincts and raw potential make him a tailor-made modern keeper.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans can’t help but admire the foresight on show. With Alisson edging closer to his mid thirties and Saudi Pro League interest looming, most top clubs would scramble to react at the first sign of a problem. But Liverpool – as they did with Luis Díaz, Mac Allister and Darwin Núñez – move early, think smart, and mitigate risk with intent.

Giorgi Mamardashvili might not feature in the immediate headlines, but this signing feels like a moment we’ll look back on in two or three years and say, “Of course it was him.”

In a summer that could see big names move on and rivals enter transition, Liverpool already have their next chapter drafted. Babel’s comments highlight what many Reds already feel: we’re not just buying players; we’re investing in structure.

Slot’s style – pressing, brave, technically demanding – will only thrive if the squad remains deep and competitive. That includes in goal. If Mamardashvili can match even 80% of Alisson’s consistency, Liverpool fans will sleep easy knowing the future is, quite literally, in safe hands.

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Summer Strategy Signals Evolution, Not Rest

Fresh from their Premier League title triumph, Liverpool are refusing to coast on past achievements. According to Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thompson, the club is preparing for one of its most ambitious summer transfer windows in recent memory.

As Thompson notes, “Liverpool will not stand still this summer and rest on their laurels; the club want to be busy in the transfer market and strengthen their squad in order to go again next year and develop the next Liverpool title-winning team.”

With Arne Slot now fully at the helm following Jürgen Klopp’s emotional departure in May 2024, the message is clear – success must be sustained. Slot, speaking earlier in the year, laid the groundwork: “Liverpool should always be competing for a league title, we should always be competing for the Champions League.”

The Dutchman has inherited a title-winning side but knows evolution is essential to maintain standards. That evolution will begin in three key positions: striker, winger and left-back.

Attack Takes Priority as Names Emerge

Thompson confirmed, “Liverpool’s priorities are a new striker, winger and left-back and they will want to try and do business as early in the window as they can.”

Up front, Liverpool have been linked with several names, including Alexander Isak, Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Šeško. Isak, who has dazzled at Newcastle, would be a marquee arrival, though doubts remain. David Ornstein has dismissed it as “a very unrealistic transfer.”

Photo: IMAGO

Osimhen brings guaranteed goals but reportedly commands massive wages and may not match the ethos Slot values. Šeško, meanwhile, is a raw but intriguing option. At just 20, he’s already making waves in Germany, but his profile closely mirrors Darwin Núñez – high ceiling, yet still maturing.

If Liverpool’s forward line is to be reshaped, it must be with both short- and long-term thinking. The Reds need someone to hit the ground running but also contribute to the club’s identity shift under Slot.

Wingers in Focus: Mbeumo and Semenyo Considered

In the wide areas, Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo are two Premier League names under the microscope.

Mbeumo, in particular, is a standout candidate. Sky Sports highlight his impressive output for Brentford: 40 goals and 27 assists in 131 league appearances. Those numbers could soar at Anfield, especially in a team that creates at volume and presses with precision.

Semenyo, meanwhile, has impressed with his energy and directness at Bournemouth, but he remains a rawer option. If Liverpool want versatility and final-third effectiveness, Mbeumo looks the more ready-made addition.

Photo: IMAGO Squad Reshape Driven by Future Ambitions

What’s evident from both Slot’s public statements and the club’s intent is that Liverpool are not merely tweaking around the edges. This is about reinforcing with clarity and purpose. “I know people sometimes question this… There’s a reason for that – because we’re happy with the squad. But I do know we’re definitely working on strengthening in the summer,” Slot added earlier this year.

It is a balancing act: preserving core leadership while refreshing the talent pool. Liverpool’s recruitment under Michael Edwards and now Richard Hughes has always prized smart, value-based moves – and this summer looks to be no different.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The signals from Arne Slot and the club’s recruitment team are hugely reassuring. Winning the title isn’t the end – it’s the start of the next cycle. And fans know that the key to longevity lies in not standing still.

Bryan Mbeumo is a name that sparks excitement. He’s Premier League-proven, industrious, and contributes consistently in front of goal. In many ways, he fits the mould that Sadio Mané once filled – not flashy, but brutally effective. He would thrive with better creators around him.

As for the striker hunt, many fans would love to see Isak at Anfield, but the reality is tricky. Šeško is exciting but feels like a project. A proven, physical forward who suits Liverpool’s style and can lead the line immediately is the true need. Whether that player exists at a reasonable price remains to be seen.

Overall, it’s encouraging to see Liverpool acting with clarity. Slot’s project is underway, and fans are right to expect ambition matched with strategy. The next Liverpool title-winning team won’t just be built on past glories – it’ll be built on smart decisions like the ones being mapped out now.

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As Liverpool celebrate another title-winning campaign, focus has already turned to what comes next. In a revealing appearance on the Media Matters podcast for Anfield Index, The Times’ Paul Joyce shared insights from his recent article The Making of Champions, offering rare clarity on Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool’s transfer strategy, and how Arne Slot fits into it all.

Slot’s Appointment and FSG’s Method

Much was made of FSG’s methodical approach to replacing Jürgen Klopp. But according to Joyce, the structure of the club has only become more refined. “One of the things that the move to the head coach role rather than the manager role has done,” Joyce said, “has been to empower a lot of people at Liverpool to feed into… the overall end product.”

That change has extended into performance, fitness, and recruitment processes. FSG’s faith in data and measured strategy remains central. During the manager search, Joyce explained, “They looked at three elements in terms of the recruitment process… One was a points-based model… another was a performance model… and the other was fitness.”

Arne Slot’s success at Feyenoord on all three metrics impressed Liverpool’s leadership, while his willingness to accept shared input made him the ideal choice. “He wasn’t a manager who came in and said, ‘No no no, I need to mould the team straight away, I need you to sign X, Y and Z,’” Joyce emphasised.

FSG and the Transfer Model: Evolution, Not Revolution

Slot’s ability to maximise the current squad without a major overhaul has underlined FSG’s transfer ethos. “The squad didn’t obviously change that much,” Joyce said. “He trusted Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards in the belief that he could get more out of these players.”

Despite that, Liverpool are expected to be active this summer, albeit with the same disciplined approach. “I don’t think Liverpool will now depart from the model that has got them here,” Joyce stated. “There’ll obviously be money to spend, but I’d be surprised if FSG say, ‘Right, we’re going to do things totally different now.’ Why would you?”

Instead, as Joyce explained, departures will dictate arrivals. “A lot of it will be dependent on who goes.” The futures of Caoimhín Kelleher and Harvey Elliott are yet to be decided, while defensive depth may be addressed depending on Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation. “I wouldn’t have thought Liverpool would want that one to drag on,” Joyce said of the French defender, who has one year left on his current deal.

Photo: IMAGO

Joyce also mentioned that Liverpool have continued their strong record in selling players well. “Last summer under Richard Hughes… Sepp van den Bergs and Fabio Carvalhos—we got good money for them.”

Trust in Slot and a Leaner Squad

Joyce revealed Slot’s preference for a tight-knit core: “He effectively trusted 13 or 14 players this season.” While this has worked due to improved fitness—“muscle injuries are probably down”—it poses a risk if not backed by depth.

Still, Liverpool are unlikely to abandon their principles. “Liverpool don’t just buy for the sake of it,” Joyce said. “They don’t just buy players to make a squad of 18 players.” Slot’s ability to evolve players and the trust in internal improvement remains a cornerstone of FSG’s strategy.

Strategic Growth, Not Overspending

At a time when rivals may throw money at the market, Liverpool’s approach under FSG remains deliberate. As Joyce concluded, “Transfers and stuff like that… it’s going to be an important period for sales as well.”

That balancing act—backing Slot while maintaining sustainability—defines the FSG era. As Liverpool move into their next chapter under Arne Slot, the approach may look familiar, but the execution is sharper than ever.

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After 35 years of waiting, Liverpool finally got to celebrate winning the league title in front of fans. The 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday secured the Reds’ second Premier League title in five years and their 20th league title – matching Manchester United’s total.

Arne Slot became the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League, doing it in his debut season after replacing the iconic Jurgen Klopp last summer.

Former Man City defender Richard Dunne spoke exclusively to Anfield Index and gave plenty of credit to Liverpool for their historic campaign…

Photo: IMAGO Liverpool Have Been ‘By Far the Best Team in the League’

“Sunday was a perfect afternoon for Liverpool,” began Dunne, “They performed brilliantly as they have all season long and they undoubtedly deserve the league title.”

“They’ve been by far the best team in the Premier League,” continued Dunne, “Huge congratulations to them and the strength and depth that they should have means that they can be confident ahead of next season.”

The performance against Tottenham Hotspur was the perfect performance to symbolise Liverpool’s success this season. In fact, the Reds have now scored 15 goals against the same Tottenham Hotspur side across all competitions this season alone.

Winning league titles aren’t easy regardless, but to do so with four games remaining and a 15-point lead at the top of the table speaks volumes of the brilliance of Slot’s side this season.

Photo: IMAGO “They Could Dominate for Years!” – Warns Dunne

“Add a few players with real quality to this group of players and they could dominate for years,” warned Dunne.

“It feels like it could take a few years for Manchester City to get back to their best, whilst Arsenal just don’t seem to be able to get anything over the line,” said Dunne, “Liverpool have the quality, the experience and the know-how to win the Premier League. They’re favourites for next season without a doubt.”

According to reports, Liverpool are already working on deals to improve their squad this summer. As Darwin Nunez looks increasingly likely to leave this summer, the Reds will sign a new striker this summer with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike at the top of that list.

Photo: IMAGO

Defensive reinforcements are also expected, with AFC Bournemouth duo Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez both highly rated by sporting director Richard Hughes. A right-back could also be signed with Trent Alexander-Arnold still expected to join Real Madrid this summer.

Either way, there will be unwavering support behind Arne Slot as he heads into his second season in charge of the Reds with the aim of winning a record-breaking 21st league title.

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The Anfield Index podcast Media Matters recently featured a special insight into Liverpool’s title-winning campaign with The Times’ Paul Joyce, who spoke at length to Dave Davis about his deep-dive piece, The Making of Champions. The conversation shed light on what made this team click under Arne Slot and why evolution—not revolution—will again be central to Liverpool’s plans next season.

Slot’s Impact from Day One

When Arne Slot took over following Jürgen Klopp’s departure, many feared a difficult transition. Joyce revealed that expectation was flipped quickly: “Straight away the buy-in was absolute from these players.” Established stars like Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah “came back into training… like we’re going to have to impress this man.”

Slot’s early attention to detail resonated, from sharper rondos to individual player improvement sessions. According to Joyce, “It was described to me that players of the stature of Virgil and Mo… felt they had to prove themselves again.” This attitude created immediate momentum that lasted across the season.

Rather than overhaul the squad, Slot made “the evolution from Klopp to Slot no bigger than it needed to be,” trusting Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes while challenging his players. “He wasn’t a manager who came in and said ‘I need to mould the team straight away,’” Joyce said.

How Liverpool Evolved on and off the Pitch

Joyce revealed subtle but influential tweaks at the AXA Training Centre—some inspired by a visit to Roma. New communal spaces and improved communication channels between coaching staff and players helped create an inclusive footballing environment. “It fosters this sort of camaraderie,” Joyce noted, explaining how small changes added “one or two percent” improvements that proved vital.

Mo Salah’s role, both on and off the pitch, was highlighted as one of the season’s big stories. “He’s developed into a leader at Liverpool,” said Joyce. “He’s become less obsessed with goals and happy to be a creator.” There was even a mutual understanding with Slot, where Salah was excused from defensive duties—but expected to deliver elite output in return.

Photo IMAGO

Van Dijk, meanwhile, was handed more tactical responsibility. “Slot was straight on to Virgil… saying you need to take more responsibility in our play,” Joyce shared. He now initiates attacks, breaking lines from the back, and opponents like Everton even devised systems to counteract him—clear proof of his growing influence under Slot.

Fitness, Trust and the Need to Be More Ruthless

Slot’s selection of Ruben Peeters, his long-time fitness coach, was deliberate and impactful. Liverpool’s reduction in muscle injuries and sustained squad availability this season owes much to their refined approach to training. “Smaller pitches, lower intensity during the week, then ramping up closer to matchday,” Joyce detailed.

Yet, Liverpool still need to evolve again next season. “Slot has repeatedly mentioned we don’t make games easy for ourselves,” Joyce noted, pointing to just “10 or 11 games” won by two goals or more. This lack of ruthlessness has been acknowledged by Slot and will be a key area for improvement.

Joyce also touched on squad depth: “He effectively trusted 13 or 14 players this season,” suggesting that Liverpool may need additions, especially depending on departures. The futures of Ibrahima Konaté, Caoimhín Kelleher, and even Harvey Elliott could affect transfer priorities.

Leadership and Looking Ahead

The club’s internal culture remains a foundation. Joyce praised the humility and open-mindedness of Slot: “He will take advice on board… it’s not all about him.” That humility could prove vital as Liverpool begin their push for title number 21.

The final line of Joyce’s article summed it up best: “Liverpool’s charge to title number 20 has been impressive – yet the pursuit of the next one is already underway.”

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