Manchester United are reportedly the 'sole serious and determined candidate' to sign Brighton's Diego Gomez in January. Liverpool aren't even in the conversation. That's a problem.
Andoni Iraola has had an encouraging start at Anfield — Jeremy Jacquet looks composed in defence, Alexander Isak is finally justifying that £125 million fee, and Bradley Barcola is finding his feet. But the squad lacks balance. Anyone watching Liverpool this season can see it. Iraola needs specific profiles to make his pressing system hum, and Gomez is exactly that profile — high-energy, two-way, versatile across multiple positions.
Why Gomez fits Liverpool so well
The 23-year-old Paraguayan has been one of the Premier League's standout players this season. That half-volley from the halfway line against Crystal Palace announced him to a wider audience, but those watching Brighton regularly already knew what he was. Gomez is the embodiment of Hurzeler's system — relentless pressing, athletic coverage, and a genuine threat going forward. He's the kind of player who makes a manager's system click rather than forcing the manager to accommodate him.
That's precisely what Liverpool need right now. Not another name to crowbar into a half-formed structure, but a player who slots in and makes the whole thing make sense.
The reported fee sits between €50-60 million — roughly £40-50m. For a 23-year-old already performing at this level in the Premier League, that's not an overpay. It's a sensible valuation for a player in form, with years ahead of him, who solves an immediate problem. Liverpool spent £125m on Isak. Baulking at half that for Gomez would be a strange place to draw the line.
United, Arsenal and Atletico are paying attention
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid are monitoring the situation too, but United's intent appears genuine. If Erik ten Hag's successor — or ten Hag himself, depending on what November brings to Old Trafford — lands Gomez, Liverpool will have handed a direct rival a player who would have improved them first.
Julian Ward knows the market. He'll know Gomez's numbers. The question is whether Liverpool move before the window opens or spend January watching someone else fix a problem they identified too late.
