Liverpool Offered the Chance to Sign ‘Electric’ £80m Forward – Journalist | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Summer Decisions and the Rafael Leao Question

Liverpool’s first summer under Arne Slot as Premier League champions was always going to attract scrutiny. With Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak all arriving, the focus was on squad depth and strategic reinforcements. Yet the transfer market often presents opportunities that can define narratives. One such case was Rafael Leao, whose name surfaced in conversations between Milan and potential suitors.

As reported by Lewis Steele, who spoke to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, the electric Portuguese winger was made available during the summer. The explanation was straightforward. “Milan’s sporting director was offering Leao around because they needed some money and he is their best asset.”

Why Leao Was Offered and How Liverpool Responded

Leao has long been viewed as one of Serie A’s most valuable players, so the idea of him being offered to Premier League clubs drew attention. According to Steele, “Liverpool were apparently one of the teams that he offered him to and in the same meeting, he asked if Milan could sign Federico Chiesa. Liverpool said no and Chiesa said no.”

The situation highlights how quickly transfer discussions can move from speculation to concrete exchanges. Yet Liverpool’s approach was deliberate. “I don’t think there was anything more than that,” Steele clarified, making it clear that this was not a negotiation but an opportunity politely declined.

Photo: IMAGO

Protecting Pathways and Planning Ahead

One of the most striking insights from Steele’s discussion with Davis was Liverpool’s refusal to pursue another high-profile winger. “Liverpool were offered a few wingers this summer but they kept saying that they didn’t want to block Rio Ngumoha’s development and they knew in the back of their mind that they were going to sign Alexander Isak.”

It reflects a long-term strategy. Spending £80-100m on a winger would have not only risked stagnating Ngumoha’s rise but also complicated squad balance after securing Isak. As Steele noted, “So they didn’t want to spend £80-100m on a winger as well.”

A Calculated Market Strategy

Liverpool’s decisions under Slot show a blend of ambition and pragmatism. Rejecting the chance to pursue Leao, while ensuring internal development pathways remain clear, reflects confidence in the current structure. Isak’s arrival provides immediate firepower, while Wirtz and Ngumoha represent the club’s future attacking identity.

The fact that Leao was offered does not necessarily mean Liverpool missed an opportunity. Instead, it demonstrates that the club are committed to a plan, one that values balance, foresight and sustainability.

By choosing not to disrupt Ngumoha’s progression and by securing Isak as a marquee forward, Liverpool have shown that the Premier League champions are not swayed by every big name made available. Their transfer window was busy, targeted and aligned with Slot’s vision.