The Gordon-Gomez Saga: Will Anfield Welcome Another Attacker?

Well this all went a bit mental this morning. In recent weeks, Liverpool’s transfer rumours have reached a fever pitch, with the potential swap deal involving Joe Gomez and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon becoming a focal point of speculation. While this exchange might initially seem promising, the practicality of adding Gordon to Liverpool’s already bloated attacking line-up without offloading Luis Díaz is a matter of significant debate.

Potential Swap: Gordon for Gomez

Just over a month ago, Liverpool and Newcastle were reportedly close to finalising a £45 million deal that would see Joe Gomez head to Tyneside. Intriguingly, the package also included Anthony Gordon moving to Anfield for £75 million. However, the deal fell through at the last minute, with Newcastle deciding to back out.

Now, with the return of Liverpool’s international contingent, including Gomez, from their summer tournaments, the discussions around this swap have been reignited. Gomez, who has had ample time to consider his future, finds himself at a crossroads, with multiple clubs expressing interest in securing his signature.

Comparing Gordon and Díaz: A Statistical Perspective

To understand the implications of potentially bringing Gordon to Liverpool, a comparison with the incumbent winger, Luis Díaz, is essential. Based on the latest data:

– Appearances and Minutes: Gordon has featured in 35 PL matches for Newcastle, totalling 2,890 minutes. In comparison, Díaz has played 37 PL matches for Liverpool, amassing 2,629 minutes.
– Goals and Assists: Gordon has contributed significantly with 11 goals and 10 assists, while Díaz has provided a similar output with 8 goals and 5 assists.
– Expected Goals (xG) and Expected Assists (xAG): Gordon’s xG stands at 10.2, with an xAG of 8.0. Díaz, on the other hand, has an xG of 11.9 and an xAG of 5.7, highlighting his ability to generate scoring opportunities.
– Touches in the Box: Gordon has 302 touches in the box, marginally more than Díaz’s 274, indicating his active presence in attacking areas.

These statistics illustrate that while Gordon and Díaz are comparable in terms of their contributions, the potential redundancy in having six starting attackers raises questions about Liverpool’s squad management.

Challenges of a Crowded Attack

Liverpool’s attacking options are already extensive, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Darwin Núñez, and Cody Gakpo competing for spots. Adding Gordon without moving Díaz could lead to an unsustainable surplus of forwards, potentially disrupting team harmony and playing time distribution. Furthermore, despite Díaz’s reported desire to leave, finding a suitable buyer willing to meet Liverpool’s valuation is no small feat. The club is unlikely to settle for a lower fee, considering Díaz’s contributions and market value.

Strategic Decisions for Liverpool’s Future

Liverpool’s management faces a crucial decision. Integrating Gordon into the squad would undoubtedly bolster the attack, but it necessitates offloading an existing forward to maintain balance. Díaz’s departure seems the most logical, but without concrete offers, this scenario remains speculative. Additionally, Joe Gomez’s potential exit leaves a void in the defensive line that needs addressing. His versatility and experience have been invaluable, making his replacement another critical consideration. But realistically, it’s hard to see Gordon arriving if Diaz doesn’t depart.