Liverpool hit by a crazy release clause in pursuit of Salah's replacement: Anfield awaits the flying Brazilian
After spending more than £160 million without finding what it was looking for, it seems Liverpool have finally found the solution to the dilemma that has troubled their fans since the departure of the legendary Mohamed Salah. The solution comes from the Dragon stadium in Portugal, but the price will not be cheap at all, with Porto raising the banner of "no discounts" in Liverpool's face.
Right-wing gap troubles Iraola
Liverpool spent lavishly on their attack this summer. Frenchman Bradley Barcola arrived for £125 million, Spaniard Victor Munoz for £35 million, both signed to widen Andoni Iraola's options and fill the hole left by Mohamed Salah.
Those two deals created a clear tactical imbalance, according to British website "TEAMtalk". Both new signings prefer the left side of the attack, and with Cody Gakpo and young talent Rio Ngumoha in the same position, Iraola is left with a lopsided list of options. He's still searching for a genuine, decisive replacement for Salah on the right wing.
Modern football gives players flexibility, and there have been indications that Munoz and Gakpo could serve as temporary options. Even so, speculation is growing that Liverpool will chase a specialist right winger when the transfer window opens on 1 January.
Liverpool tried and failed to land both Ismaila Sarr and Yankuba Minteh in the dying moments of the summer window. Now a new, more glittering option has emerged.
The Brazilian gem: William Gomes
According to Portuguese newspaper "A Bola", Porto's young star William Gomes has caught the eye of Liverpool's new sporting director Julian Ward, who wants the Brazilian as his first signing of his second spell.
The 20-year-old moved to the Dragao stadium in January 2025 for just 9 million euros (£7.6 million), with left-back Wendell heading the other way to Sao Paulo.
His start was slow. Since then, Gomes has exploded with the Portuguese giants, contributing to 20 goals (16 goals and four assists) in 67 matches.
Two goals and two assists in eight Primeira Liga matches this season tell you plenty about the confidence and boldness he carries.
Porto raise the price to 100 million euros
Even better for Liverpool, Porto are open to selling, but on their own terms. After renewing Gomes's contract last week until June 2031, they hiked his release clause from 80 million euros to 100 million euros, the equivalent of £84.6 million and $112 million. They insist they will not accept less.
Explaining the renewal, Porto coach Francesco Farioli said: "William Gomes's contract renewal? He is one of those players who needs time to adapt. During the first six months he used his time to adapt, and last season we noticed his quality but he lacked consistency."
He continued: "Now, we are talking about a different player. He has maintained his level and matured noticeably, not only in his style of play, but in his preparation for competition as well. He is careful to stick to a strict diet and training regime."
Farioli added: "The contract renewal was necessary, and the value of the release clause in the contract reassures me. If another club comes in, they will have to pay everything they can, but I would like him to stay for a few more months. He is a pivotal player and one of the key men."
A third raid by Ward on Portugal
During his previous spell as Liverpool's sporting director, Julian Ward (45) showed his appetite for the Portuguese market. He was the man who brought Luis Diaz from Porto and Darwin Nunez from Benfica to Anfield in two huge deals.
Ward now appears to be lining up a third raid on Portugal, this time for William Gomes. Landing Salah's anticipated successor will mean stumping up another huge sum.
