Liverpool football club has been the home to countless attacking talents over the years, helping numerous managers claim various levels of success at Anfield.
Roberto Firmino will undoubtedly go down as one of the most underrated strikers in Premier League history, thriving beyond all imagination on Merseyside after joining from Hoffenheim back in 2015.
The Brazilian forward managed to notch a total of 111 goals in his 362 appearances for the club, helping the side win the Premier League back in 2020 under former boss Jürgen Klopp.
However, fast forward to the present day, current manager Arne Slot lacks that centre-forward presence, with current options Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota likely to be moved on during the summer.
Such dealings would leave a huge hole at the top end of the pitch, which would see the Dutchman need to dip into the transfer market to bolster his forward line during the transfer window.
The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker this summer
Given the achievements Liverpool have claimed in 2024/25, it’s no surprise to see countless players linked with a switch to join the club to aid their ambitions of replicating the success next season.
Jonathan David, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen have all been linked with a move to join the Reds over the last couple of weeks – with all three undoubtedly offering Slot a new dimension in the final third.
However, another name has been thrown into the mix, in the form of Brighton and Hove Albion talisman Joao Pedro, that’s if Ben Jacobs’ latest update is to be believed.
He states that the hierarchy has been monitoring the 23-year-old star, who’s netted ten goals for Fabian Hurzeler’s outfit across all competitions this campaign.
Jacobs also confirmed that the Brazilian star has constantly impressed behind the scenes, which could lead to a move being prepared ahead of the upcoming window.
Why Liverpool’s latest target would be Slot's own Firmino
Given Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker, Pedro isn’t the only name to be linked with a switch to Merseyside, with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké another name previously mentioned.
The 22-year-old has been an all-round threat in the Bundesliga this year, notching 33 combined goals and assists in his 46 appearances for the German side.
Such form has put multiple clubs on red alert, including the Reds, with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal also previously in the race to land his signature.
However, Ekitike could cost a small fortune during the summer, with Frankfurt demanding a fee in the region of £80m to part ways with the French international.
When comparing his stats to those of Pedro throughout 2024/25, the Brighton gem has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – potentially being Slot’s own Firmino, given the Brazilian connection, but also their similar playstyle.
The Seagulls star, who’s been labelled “sensational” by talent scout Antonio Mango, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on-target rate, thus able to follow his compatriot given his clinical edge in attacking areas.
He’s also completed more passes into the final third, whilst winning more aerial duels – handing Slot a superb option like Firmino given Pedro’s ability to drop into pockets whilst still offering a threat in the 18-yard box.
Games played
27
31
Goals & assists
16
22
Progressive passes
3.6
1.9
Shot-on-target accuracy
38%
37%
Passes into final third
1.9
0.8
Aerials won
48%
47%
Fouls won
2.1
0.5
Pedro has also completed more through balls per 90, allowing the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz to further improve their own tallies, which will certainly bolster the chances of retaining the Premier League.
Whilst both options would be stellar signings for the Reds this summer, it’s clear that the Brighton star would be the better out of the two names – already having the experience of featuring in England’s top-division.
It’s unclear how much a deal would set the hierarchy back, but it would be worth every penny, having all the tools to emulate Firmino’s success on Merseyside and take the side to new heights.
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