Liverpool target £100m double raid for Baleba and Gordon as Slot rebuild begins
Brighton midfielder and Newcastle winger emerge as primary targets following disappointing campaign under Dutch manager
Liverpool have identified Carlos Baleba and Anthony Gordon as their top transfer targets for a major squad overhaul following a disappointing 2025/26 season under Arne Slot.
The Reds are preparing to spend in excess of £100 million on the Brighton midfielder and Newcastle winger as they attempt to arrest their decline in the post-Klopp era.
Liverpool's midfield crisis demands Premier League-proven solution
Liverpool's engine room has been consistently overrun this season, with opponents dominating physical battles and transitions against Slot's side.
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The club have zeroed in on 22-year-old Baleba as the solution to their midfield woes. The Cameroonian international has emerged as one of the Premier League's most dominant ball-winners since his €27 million move to Brighton in 2023.
Baleba's profile fits Liverpool's desperate need
The midfielder brings exactly what Liverpool lack:
- Raw physical power in defensive transitions
- Elite ball-recovery statistics that rank among the league's best
- Progressive carrying ability to drive through midfield
- Age profile at just 22 that fits FSG's recruitment model
Brighton's reputation as tough negotiators means Liverpool face a battle to secure their man. The Seagulls extracted maximum value for Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister in recent windows.
Liverpool are not alone in their pursuit, several other top European clubs are actively monitoring Baleba's rapid development.
Gordon pursuit reveals attacking concerns despite previous interest
Liverpool's renewed interest in Anthony Gordon exposes concerns about their attacking output under Slot's system.
The 25-year-old England international has been on Liverpool's radar for over a year, but Newcastle successfully rebuffed previous approaches.
Gordon's numbers highlight his value
This season's statistics demonstrate why Liverpool remain keen:
- 17 goals across all competitions
- 10 Champions League goals in just 12 appearances
- 775 minutes in Europe's elite competition
- Proven ability to perform at the highest level
Gordon previously dismissed exit rumours to focus on Newcastle, but Liverpool believe financial pressures at St James' Park could force a sale.
Financial realities could unlock the deal
Newcastle's well-documented PSR concerns mean they may need to cash in on key assets. Gordon represents their most sellable commodity given his age, nationality and Premier League pedigree.
Liverpool's willingness to meet Newcastle's valuation, likely north of £60 million, shows their determination to land proven talent rather than gamble on potential.
Why Brighton and Newcastle hold all the cards in negotiations
Both selling clubs enter negotiations from positions of strength, aware of Liverpool's desperation to rebuild after a failed season.
Brighton's track record speaks for itself. They turned £60 million signings into £100 million sales with Caicedo, while extracting £35 million for Mac Allister despite his release clause.
Selling clubs can demand premium fees
Several factors strengthen Brighton and Newcastle's negotiating positions:
- Both players have multiple years remaining on current contracts
- Neither club faces immediate financial pressure to sell
- Liverpool's poor season weakens their pulling power
- Competition from other clubs drives up valuations
The Reds face paying significantly over market value to secure their targets. Conservative estimates suggest £50-60 million for Baleba and £60-70 million for Gordon.
Liverpool's intentions are crystal clear, the squad needs a serious injection of Premier League-proven physicality and pace.
What happens next
Liverpool's sporting directors face their biggest test since taking over from Michael Edwards. Executing this double signing would cost north of £120 million but send a clear message about their ambitions.
The club must move quickly to avoid a bidding war, particularly for Baleba who attracts interest from across Europe. Early negotiations with both clubs will reveal whether Liverpool possess the financial muscle and negotiating skill to complete their rebuild.
Failure to land either target would leave Slot entering year two with the same squad that underperformed this season, potentially sealing his fate before the campaign even begins.
SportSignals is an independent publication. Views expressed are our own.
Sources
This article is based on reporting from the publications above. Specific facts and quotes are credited inline where used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Liverpool willing to spend on Baleba and Gordon?
Liverpool are preparing to spend in excess of £100 million on Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Newcastle's Anthony Gordon. This represents a major investment as Arne Slot begins rebuilding the squad.
Why does Liverpool want Carlos Baleba from Brighton?
Liverpool need Baleba's physical power and elite ball-recovery statistics to solve their midfield crisis. The 22-year-old Cameroonian international has dominated Premier League midfield battles since joining Brighton for €27 million in 2023.
What are Anthony Gordon's stats this season for Newcastle?
Anthony Gordon has scored 17 goals across all competitions this season, including 10 Champions League goals in just 12 appearances. His 775 minutes in Europe's elite competition demonstrate his ability to perform at the highest level.
Will Newcastle sell Anthony Gordon to Liverpool?
Newcastle's PSR financial concerns could force them to sell Gordon despite previous resistance. Liverpool believe the financial pressures at St James' Park make Gordon their most sellable asset given his age, nationality and Premier League pedigree.
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