Marco Silva Reflects on Fulham’s Missed Opportunity with Viktor Gyökeres
Marco Silva reflects on Fulham’s choice to forgo Viktor Gyökeres in favour of Mitrović.
Fulham manager Marco Silva has openly discussed a notable transfer decision that saw the club pass on Viktor Gyökeres in favour of Aleksandar Mitrović. Despite Gyökeres’ impressive goal-scoring record at Coventry City, where he netted 43 times over two and a half years, he failed to capture the attention of England’s top six Premier League clubs. However, mid-table sides including Fulham did show interest.
Silva acknowledged that although the top clubs overlooked Gyökeres because he wasn’t quite ready for their level, mid-tier teams recognized his potential. “Now, the mid-table clubs in England had all noticed, and so much so that there were some offers to buy Gyökeres, at least in those two years when he stood out a bit more,” Silva said.
Fulham approached Gyökeres’ agent but ultimately chose to rely on their established striker Mitrović, a decision Silva admits might not have been the best in hindsight. Mitrović scored 111 goals for Fulham before his departure to Al Hilal in August 2023, while Gyökeres moved to Sporting CP that same summer.
Looking forward, Gyökeres is set to join Arsenal for the 2025/26 Premier League season, where manager Mikel Arteta hopes he can address the club’s attacking challenges. Silva expressed confidence in Gyökeres’ suitability for Arsenal’s style, noting, “I think [Gyökeres will] fit into a phase of play that Arsenal has. They have very strong midfielders and wingers, so he’ll fit in very well. In a positional attack, when Arsenal is clearly in their highest space. He’ll have an impact; whether he’ll have the same impact as Portugal, we’ll have to see how he adapts.”
Liverpool
Liverpool Navigates Major Transfers: Slot on Díaz’s Departure and Isak Pursuit
Slot praises Liverpool’s sale of Luis Díaz as strategic amid pursuit of Alexander Isak and squad plans.
Liverpool’s summer transfer activities have been marked by significant business, with manager Arne Slot describing the sale of Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich as a strategic move. Díaz, a crucial figure in Liverpool’s recent Premier League title success, joined Bayern for £65.5 million ($86.7 million), helping to balance the club’s expenditures amid ongoing recruitment efforts.
Slot acknowledged the bittersweet nature of losing a key player: “Luis is a player we won the league with and there’s a reason we won it with him because he’s a very good player. It’s always disappointing to see someone like that leave, to a certain extent.”
Despite the departure, Slot emphasized that the sale aligns with Liverpool’s broader financial strategy. “We’ve sold him for a lot of money and, as you probably know even better than I do, this football club brings in unbelievable signings over the years, but part of the strategy is also that once in a while we have to sell someone. I think we did great business by bringing in Lucho for a number of years and then selling him for a very good profit.”
Looking ahead, Liverpool could still make a high-profile signing by pursuing Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, which would see their spending surpass £400 million ($529.2 million). However, Slot hinted that the club’s options for wingers are currently sufficient, despite Federico Chiesa’s expected departure. “At this moment in time, we still have Cody Gakpo, Rio [Ngumoha] is showing very good signs, and I think Florian Wirtz can play from the left side as well. There are enough options for me to choose from,” he stated.
Liverpool remain active in the transfer market, balancing reinvestment with strategic sales, as they aim to maintain their competitive edge this season.
Chelsea
Nicolas Jackson Addresses Chelsea Role Amid Transfer Speculation
Nicolas Jackson stays focused at Chelsea amid summer transfer links and new striker arrivals.
Chelsea’s Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson remains composed despite summer transfer rumours linking him to Manchester United following the arrivals of Liam Delap and João Pedro. Since his 2023 move from Villarreal, Jackson has faced challenges, netting 13 goals across all competitions last season.
Jackson responded to questions about competition for places, stating, “Competition? I have no competition. We’re all here to help the club. Everyone has their role to play. I’m on a mission. It’s up to the coach to make his choices. I focus solely on my work.”
He emphasized his commitment to Chelsea, adding, “I’m a Chelsea player. The future belongs to God. If there are any changes, you’ll know. For now, I’m focused on my preparation.”
With João Pedro impressing early in his Chelsea tenure, he is expected to start the Premier League season ahead of Jackson. Chelsea’s squad depth means the club could let Jackson move on if an appropriate offer emerges, especially with prospect Marc Guiu likely to go on loan to Sunderland.
Jackson has scored double digits in the Premier League across his two seasons at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea require a more prolific forward to bolster their Champions League ambitions and challenge top rivals such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City.
Liverpool
Tyler Morton Set for Transfer as Liverpool and Lyon Stall on Fee
Tyler Morton agrees to join Lyon but Liverpool and Lyon stall over a €9m transfer fee.
Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton has reportedly reached an agreement to join Ligue 1 club Lyon, but the transfer remains stalled due to disagreement over the transfer fee. Lyon have reportedly secured a “contractual agreement” with Morton, yet Liverpool insist on a €9 million (£7.8 million) fee, which Lyon consider “too high.”
After featuring only five times last season under Liverpool’s new manager Arne Slot, Morton’s move appears mutually beneficial. The addition of several new signings this summer, including Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiké, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong, has limited his chances to secure consistent playing time. Liverpool have invested over €300 million (£256 million) in recent months, signaling a clear intent to reinforce the squad.
While transfer talks remain unresolved, Morton has continued with Liverpool on their pre-season tour in Asia, playing in the 4–2 defeat against AC Milan. Despite the underwhelming performance, his quality remains evident from his role in England’s European Under-21 Championship-winning campaign, where he provided the assist for the winning goal in the final against Germany.
Former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp praised Morton as a “brilliant” player with an “outstanding football brain.” However, opportunities for the young midfielder are scarce, given the strong midfield partnership formed by Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.
Liverpool resisted selling Morton last summer despite interest from Bayer Leverkusen but now appear ready to negotiate if Lyon can meet their valuation. The ongoing debate over the fee has allowed Morton to remain involved with Liverpool’s pre-season activities as the summer transfer window progresses.
