Viktor Gyökeres’s rise in professional football is defined by an unwavering competitive spirit and a relentless goal-scoring instinct. His journey began hesitantly at age five when his parents enrolled him in organised football at IFK Aspudden-Tellus. Despite initial reluctance, a deep passion for the sport grew, fuelled by his father’s role as coach.

Gyökeres displayed versatility in his youth, playing various positions and often insisting on participating on multiple teams within his club. This adaptability and leadership developed from years spent in less effective teams where he had to take personal responsibility on the pitch.

Though regarded as a talented player at Brommapojkarna’s academy, he was not seen as a standout star. His early professional years included loan spells in Germany and England’s lower divisions, where playing time was limited and competition stiff.

A turning point came in 2021 when Gyökeres signed permanently with Coventry City, gaining stability that allowed him to focus fully on his game. He credits dropping overthinking in favour of instinctive, direct football for enhancing his performance. “This obsession with goals, which I’ve always had, is once again the essence of my game. I don’t think about anything other than scoring and winning; it changes everything.”

His scoring feats continued at Sporting CP where he netted 97 goals in 102 appearances, often celebrating with his signature mask pose. Despite interest from English clubs Fulham and West Ham, Sporting secured his services in 2023.

Reflecting on his time at Brighton & Hove Albion, where opportunities were sparse, Gyökeres accepts that he wasn’t ready to break through and acknowledges the importance of a supportive environment for success. Brighton CEO Paul Barber expressed no regrets over his sale, noting Gyökeres’s development trajectory and praising his subsequent achievements.

Known as “totally ruthless” by a youth coach, Viktor Gyökeres embodies a vigorous, goal-focused football philosophy. At Arsenal, his large transfer fee reflects expectations that he will continue to convert his fierce competitive drive into Premier League success.

As Liverpool prepare to defend their Premier League title in the 2025–26 season, the club has actively strengthened key positions during the summer transfer window. The campaign kicks off on August 15, with Liverpool aiming to build on their existing strengths.

In addressing defensive needs, Liverpool secured Jeremie Frimpong as the new right-back, a direct replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. On the left flank, Milos Kerkez arrives to challenge Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas for starting opportunities. The centre-back area requires reinforcement following Jarell Quansah’s departure to Bayer Leverkusen; Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi has emerged as a preferred option to bolster the defensive ranks and satisfy homegrown player requirements.

Goalkeeper depth has improved with Georgi Mamardashvili officially joining to provide backup to Caoimhín Kelleher. Freddie Woodman and Ármin Pésci have also been added to the squad to compete for the third-choice goalkeeper role.

The headline acquisition this summer is Florian Wirtz, who has joined from Bayer Leverkusen for £116 million. His versatility across the attacking midfield and forward positions is expected to add significant value. Liverpool also strengthened its centre-forward options with the £79 million signing of Hugo Ekitiké, who impressed last season with a combined 34 goals and assists.

Further attacking reinforcements may be on the horizon. Alexander Isak, currently at Newcastle United, has publicly expressed a wish to join Liverpool, with a possible transfer fee estimated between £120–150 million. Liverpool had initially sought to sign Isak but shifted focus to Ekitiké before the Newcastle striker indicated his preference for a Liverpool move.

Squad adjustments could see departures, especially as Luis Díaz’s imminent transfer to Bayern Munich might make Darwin Núñez remain despite underwhelming performances. Kostas Tsimikas faces limited playing chances after Kerkez’s arrival, and players such as Wataru Endo, Federico Chiesa, and Harvey Elliott might leave for more playing time or replacement purposes.

Liverpool’s projected lineup for 2025–26 features a defensive core of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté ahead of Alisson, with Frimpong and Kerkez occupying fullback roles. Midfield stability is likely with Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, while Salah and Cody Gakpo operate on the wings. Florian Wirtz is expected to fill the number 10 role, replacing Dominik Szoboszlai. Upfront, Liverpool will hope Isak can lead the line supported by Ekitiké.

This summer’s transfer activity signals Liverpool’s intent to maintain competitiveness by reinforcing critical areas of the squad ahead of another demanding Premier League season.

Liverpool has reportedly softened its stance and agreed to a transfer deal for winger Luis Díaz with Bayern Munich. Initial negotiations appeared to stall after Liverpool rejected an offer of around £58.6 million. However, recent reports from The Athletic indicate that the two clubs have reached an agreement.

Díaz was excluded from Liverpool’s squad for their pre-season friendly against AC Milan, a decision confirmed by manager Arne Slot amid swirling transfer speculation. Despite being part of Liverpool’s travelling party to Tokyo for the upcoming friendly against Yokohama F. Marinos, Díaz is understood to have permission to leave the camp to finalise the transfer, which could be announced imminently.

Signed from Porto in 2022 for an initial £37 million, potentially rising to £50 million, Díaz has two years left on his contract but has publicly declined to extend it. This situation may prompt Liverpool to capitalise on the player’s value before potentially losing him for less.

Barcelona had previously been among the interested parties for Díaz, but the club ultimately pursued a loan deal for Marcus Rashford instead. Barça president Joan Laporta commented on the failed negotiations, acknowledging Liverpool’s firmness in the transfer talks and expressing appreciation for Díaz’s willingness to join Barcelona.