Liverpool plan £60m striker move as Arne Slot rebuilds forward line | OneFootball

Joao Pedro on Liverpool’s Radar as Arne Slot Rebuilds Front Line

Summer shake-up brewing at Anfield

Liverpool’s summer recruitment drive appears set to begin with a familiar name as the Reds line up Joao Pedro to bolster their frontline. With Darwin Nunez falling short of expectations under new boss Arne Slot – just five league goals in a campaign that’s left fans restless – a reshuffle in attack is all but inevitable. According to a report from AnfieldWatch, sporting director Richard Hughes could free up to £100 million if Nunez and another forward are moved on, offering both funds and flexibility in the wage structure.

Pedro’s long-standing link to Liverpool

This potential signing is far from opportunistic. “Liverpool have had their eye on Joao Pedro since he was a teenager,” the report notes, tracing the Brazilian’s journey through Watford and now Brighton. At just 23, Pedro’s trajectory in English football has been impressive, and it’s little surprise that Liverpool – especially under the influence of Michael Edwards – are considering reigniting their long-term interest.

Photo: IMAGO

Pedro joined Brighton for around £30m in the summer of 2023, but despite suggestions just weeks ago that he could cost as much as £100m, current reports suggest a more palatable price tag. “Joao Pedro valued at £60m,” reads the updated assessment. Given the Seagulls’ strong negotiating history, nothing is guaranteed – but it’s a significantly more achievable sum for a club needing clinical reinforcements.

Versatility key for Slot’s system

Pedro’s appeal to Slot lies not just in his numbers but in his tactical fit. As TEAMtalk state: “Pedro’s versatility, work rate, and proven Premier League pedigree make him an ideal candidate to help Liverpool’s ambitions in the 2025-26 season.” He is nominally a centre forward but is just as comfortable operating in the pockets, dropping deep, or drifting wide to create space and chances.

This adaptability suits Slot’s fluid system, with another line from the report underscoring the point: “Pedro’s ability to operate as a central striker, second striker, or even from wide positions aligns perfectly with Slot’s fluid tactical system.”

Deal could be close as Liverpool act swiftly

With Jeremie Frimpong reportedly close to a move from Bayer Leverkusen, the sense is that Liverpool’s recruitment team want their business done early. “Liverpool are prepared to act decisively, possibly initiating talks as early as next week to secure Pedro’s signature for next summer,” the report adds.

Given Pedro’s contract runs until 2028, Brighton won’t be forced to sell – but if Liverpool play their cards right, a smart deal could be struck for a player who could become a centrepiece of the Slot era.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s every reason for Liverpool supporters to feel excited by this development. Joao Pedro ticks all the boxes – young, dynamic, Premier League-proven, and tactically flexible. For a club looking to modernise under Arne Slot and finally move on from the chaos of the latter Klopp years, Pedro represents more than just a striker – he’s a symbol of strategic planning.

That said, £60m isn’t pocket change. If Nunez departs and Pedro arrives, fans will expect goals, link-up play, and immediate impact. It’s also worth remembering how long Liverpool have trailed him. If Michael Edwards still believes he’s the right man, supporters should be reassured.

However, as with all Brighton sales, there’s the sense that the Seagulls won’t let him go easily or cheaply. Liverpool’s history with drawn-out transfers (Caicedo and Bellingham come to mind) makes early movement essential. If this is the first major signing of the Slot era, it could set the tone for a smarter, more surgical recruitment period.

Fan Verdict: Cautiously optimistic, but the execution needs to match the intent.