Liverpool have pulled out of the race to sign a £68m-rated striker, handing Premier League rivals Man United a clear edge in the transfer battle. With both clubs previously linked to the in-demand forward, Liverpool’s withdrawal could pave the way for a swift United move as the summer window heats up.
The Merseyside giants equalled Manchester United’s haul of 20 league titles last season, and have a golden chance to surpass them, given their current state.
However, the Red Devils are still an attractive destination given the business they have done this summer, and both clubs are in the market for a striker.
But the decision by Liverpool not to pursue a top striker in the market has handed Man United a massive advantage in the chase for the number 9 this summer.
Can you name the team Liverpool signed these players from?
Man United to gain from a Liverpool decision on Viktor Gyokeres
It emerged on Wednesday in Portugal that Liverpool have joined the race to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres in the ongoing transfer window.
However, those rumours have been shut down quickly, as according to TNT Sports, Liverpool are not planning to pursue a deal for the 27-year-old striker this summer.
Liverpool are still eyeing a move for Alexander Isak, and if that fails, the Reds are likely to pursue the signature of a younger Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Gyokeres scored 54 times in all competitions last season, but Liverpool do not see value in spending close to £68m for a striker who is already 27.
They will either sign their top target in Isak or look to bring in a younger forward with huge potential, like an Ekitike or Benjamin Sesko, this summer.
Manchester United are set to gain from this move, as according to TEAMTalk, Old Trafford is Gyokeres’ destination of choice this summer, despite Arsenal’s interest in him.
Will Liverpool regret Gyokeres ending up at Old Trafford?
Manchester United finished 15th in the Premier League last season and are a long way away from challenging Liverpool in the league.
However, they have already signed a Premier League-proven talent such as Matheus Cunha, and are about to snap up Bryan Mbeumo, a player Liverpool would have gone for had they needed a replacement for Mo Salah.
Cunha and Mbeumo’s arrival will solve some of their goalscoring problems from last season, but getting Gyokeres could be a game-changer for Manchester United.
The Swede has proved he knows how to score goals, and while the Premier League will be a step up, his experience of playing for Coventry City will stand him in good stead.
While Manchester United will unlikely challenge Liverpool next season in any meaningful way, a proven striker will help them bridge the gap between them and the top teams quickly.
It might not be immediate, but Liverpool could end up regretting allowing Gyokeres to move to Old Trafford in the long run.
