Last week was very much Alexander Isak vs Hugo Ekitike. Liverpool flexed their muscles by telling Newcastle they were ready to put a £120m offer on the table for the Swede.
The Toon were steadfast, however, once again reiterating that the centre forward isn’t for sale this summer.
Consequently, the Reds raided Eintracht Frankfurt and stole Ekitike from under Newcastle’s noses. Eddie Howe’s men had made their own bid for the Frenchman but had to sit back and watch their Premier League rivals prise him away instead.
Having already signed Florian Wirtz for a club-record £116m, they’ve splashed out a further £79m on Ekitike. But, Liverpool’s efforts to improve the forward line might not be done there.
Does anyone fancy Rodrygo?
Liverpool could sign big-money Rodrygo alternative
While a deal for Ekitike is set to be formally announced in the not-too-distant future, rumours have surfaced suggesting Real Madrid winger, Rodrygo, is also on their radar.
The Brazilian has been the subject of interest from Arsenal this summer but reports last week suggested that the Reds have leapfrogged their title rivals in the race for the winger.
Liverpool have allegedly held their own talks to sign Rodrygo but whether a move is formalised remains to be seen.
Signing a winger is likely to depend on the future of Luis Diaz. Bayern Munich want to sign him but there is a difference in valuation right now.
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If that move does come to fruition, then perhaps Anthony Gordon might come on the radar again. The Anfield outfit have been linked with the Newcastle star religiously, and he’s very keen on the move.
That’s according to journalist Graeme Bailey. Speaking to TBR Football, he played up the chances of Gordon heading to Merseyside in the future.
“If Diaz goes, I wouldn’t rule Gordon out. I think if Diaz — the left-sided player — goes, Liverpool will bring someone in. Obviously, we know they’ve talked to Rodrygo, but Gordon is very much in that conversation for them.”
Bailey continued: “Gordon would walk to Liverpool — it’s his hometown club. He loves them. He wants to play for them. I think it’s inevitable Gordon will join Liverpool at some point — whether it’s this summer, next, or the year after. But I think he will end up at Anfield at some point.”
How Gordon compares to Rodrygo
It must be said that signing Rodrygo this summer, particularly when Arsenal are also interested, would be a phenomenal capture.
This is a player who scored as many as 19 goals in the 2022/23 campaign. He’s shone for Madrid and it’s only as a consequence of Kylian Mbappe and Vini Jr that he’s suffering from a lack of game time.
That’s certainly nothing to be ashamed of. That said, while Rodrygo has put in some fine performances on the continent, he’s not accustomed to life in English football and would no doubt take time to get up to speed. With another raw prospect in the form of Ekitike arriving, it could well be argued that Liverpool will need someone more battle-ready if Diaz leaves.
Well, in Gordon, they’d certainly find their plug-and-play option. The England international has been valued as highly as £100m and has showcased why over the last two campaigns in particular, scoring 21 goals and registering 23 assists.
Gordon is very much a dual threat, possessing elite ball carrying and combining that with the ability to score goals and create.
Rodrygo does feel like a superstar. He plays for Real, after all. Yet, Gordon is a mentality monster. He wants to win at all costs and the fact he actually supports Liverpool will no doubt help him succeed at Anfield if a move happens.
Goals
0.29
0.33
Assists
0.25
0.21
Touches
45
56
Key passes
1.82
1.98
Progressive passes
3.36
4.13
Successful take-ons
1.55
2.28
Ball recoveries
3.75
2.76
Tackles
1.47
0.77
Analysing the core metrics above, one thing is clear and that’s Rodrygo looks more explosive.
Yet, an element of context must be applied. The Brazil international has been playing for a more ball-dominant team and in amassing 11 more touches per 90 minutes, it’s understandable why the data is skewed in his favour.
Yet, when it comes to things like progressive passes and key passes, there really isn’t much of a difference between the two.
A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent’s goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.
Interestingly, Gordon will offer you a lot more off the ball. He makes an extra ball recovery per 90 and aids his team’s cause with more tackles. His work rate is exemplary.
While both players could cost over £80m, perhaps it would be wiser to invest the money in a local lad who knows the division inside out.
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ByAngus Sinclair Jul 22, 2025