Liverpool may land a new Roberto Firmino as $68m Arne Slot ‘priority’ appears to be a smart move

Liverpool is reportedly targeting a player who could become the next Roberto Firmino, with this potential transfer making perfect sense for Arne Slot in 2025.

Currently, there aren’t many areas of Liverpool’s squad raising concerns. Leading both the Premier League and the Champions League, Arne Slot’s team is in a strong position.

However, there are a few uncertainties in the forward line for the medium term. Therefore, it’s interesting to note that, according to Brazilian outlet UOL, Liverpool has made Brighton star Joao Pedro a priority for 2025, as the club is said to be exploring options for potential number nine reinforcements.

With Darwin Nunez still showing inconsistency and Diogo Jota often sidelined by injuries, this move would make sense. Pedro also aligns stylistically with what Liverpool needs.

At 23, he is at the right age to advance his career, showcasing the kind of skill set that Liverpool has historically admired. He is excellent in linking play, effective off the ball, and has been regularly scoring and assisting, with four goals and three assists in nine appearances under Fabian Hurzeler this season.

In terms of defensive contributions, Pedro is among Europe’s top forwards and attacking midfielders, ranking in the 90th percentile for tackles and the 97th for interceptions. His passing and creativity numbers are also in the high 80s or low 90s percentile. He is showing potential to become the next Roberto Firmino.

Soccer data site FBref also highlights that two of Pedro’s top-five most stylistically similar players are Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo, which suggests he could be a good fit at Liverpool. Both Diaz and Gakpo are effective off the ball and becoming increasingly influential in attack under Slot.

Brighton spent $38 million (£30m/€36m) to bring Pedro from Watford in 2023, so they would likely demand a significantly higher fee to part with him. The Seagulls are known for maximizing profits on player sales, with Alexis Mac Allister being a rare exception due to a release clause included in his contract.

There is also some uncertainty about how Slot views the number nine role, as Nunez, Jota, and Diaz have all played there under him, each interpreting the position differently. However, if Liverpool is looking for someone with a more well-rounded influence who can link play as well as finish, Pedro should be near the top of their list.

“He was the best player on the pitch,” former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi said of Pedro—valued at least $68m (£54m/€65m), according to Fichajes—after he scored twice against Spurs last season. “He played another incredible game. I am really pleased with his improvement in mentality and attitude. In the defensive phase, he defended like a center-back for 90 minutes. He is becoming a top player. I hope in the next year to work with him, but it will be very tough.”

De Zerbi left Brighton in the summer and is no longer working with Pedro, but his prediction that the Brazilian will eventually join a top club is likely to come true. If Liverpool is seriously interested in him, it would be a logical move, even if his transfer will come at a high price.