It's obvious: Liverpool's first signing of 2026 will be a £45m player Mourinho and Tuchel both love - opinion

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Liverpool look more likely than ever to turn to Anthony Gordon as they hope to sign a new wide forward.The Reds have been desperately short on the wings this season, with the Newcastle attacker seemingly providing exactly what Arne Slot has been missing.After news emerged that Gordon is ready to push for a transfer this summer, it is looking increasingly inevitable that after a botched move in 2024, the 25-year-old is finally set to end up at Liverpool. Hugo Ekitike’s injury increases the need for versatilityIt was always likely that Liverpool would be looking for new forwards this summer even before Hugo Ekitike picked up a serious injury against Paris Saint-Germain.But with the Frenchman now set to miss a considerable chunk of next season, the Reds must make sure that a new arrival can also play centrally.There is no real need to add another out-and-out striker to the Liverpool squad, but rather a player who can play in all attacking positions.Gordon is exactly that having often operated as a central striker, notably against the Reds at St James’ Park earlier this season.

Largely right-footed but capable of going either way, the former Everton man could dovetail nicely with former teammate Alexander Isak.Photo by Kate McShane/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Liverpool have now found two players they’d like to sign after Hugo Ekitike’s injury2. Liverpool badly need some homegrown talentWhen Liverpool draw up their shortlists for the summer, it is likely that a number of homegrown players will feature on them.The Reds have very little in the way of players brought through in England, and with their non-homegrown quota already filled, it is an added bonus if they can get English stars through the door.Having been on the verge of joining in 2024, Liverpool clearly like Gordon, and their need for more pace and versatility in attack added to his homegrown status make him an obvious choice.3.

Gordon has remained ‘desperate’ for Liverpool moveWhile he was coming through as an Everton player, it was not clear that Gordon and his family were avid Liverpool supporters.However, the England international has since made no secret of his love for the Reds, and according to the Telegraph, he was ‘desperate’ to join his boyhood club back in 2024.After the move failed to materialise, it is claimed that Gordon has not been the same player, and that he would ‘jump at the chance’ to make the move to Anfield should it be presented.Liverpool have badly lacked players willing to really put it all on the line for the shirt this season, and in Gordon they would have someone ready to do just that. Gordon can get the best out of IsakEkitike’s injury is likely to change Liverpool’s summer business, and will perhaps mean that more emphasis will be placed on getting the most from Isak.The Swede has struggled to get going since joining Liverpool last summer, and much more will be expected of him in year two.Setting up to play to his strengths will clearly help with that, and Gordon is someone who, having played with Isak for two-and-a-half years at Newcastle, has a track record of linking up well with him.There will be so many different considerations to take into account when Liverpool finally make their decision on a new forward or two this summer, but while the price may still prove to be a stumbling block, everything else points to the likelihood that Gordon will be a Red come the start of next season.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox