Liverpool could target a winger in 2027, with Portuguese newspaper A Bola reporting that Porto’s William Gomes has emerged as a possible successor to Mohamed Salah.
The 20-year-old Brazilian offers a profile Liverpool have struggled to replace since Salah’s summer departure. Gomes is left-footed, operates from the right and can attack defenders before cutting inside, giving the Reds a familiar option. His work without the ball matters too.
Manager Andoni Iraola demands aggressive pressing, quick recoveries and sharp forward runs after possession changes hands. Gomes appears suited to those demands, with Porto president André Villas-Boas praising his commitment in attacking and defensive phases. Liverpool must still assess how consistently he delivers against Premier League opposition.
Gomes joined Porto from São Paulo in January 2025 for a reported €9 million fee. His 2026/27 league campaign suggests progress, with two goals and two assists across seven starts. Those numbers offer encouragement, but they provide only a small sample and do not prove he can replace Salah’s production at Anfield.
The financial obstacle looks far more substantial. Porto have extended Gomes’ contract until June 2031 and raised his release clause to €100 million. His estimated market value reportedly sits near €30 million, leaving a sizeable gap between that figure and the clause. Porto coach Francesco Farioli has signalled that interested clubs should expect to pay the full amount.
Liverpool may face competition from other Premier League sides if Gomes continues to develop. Still, a long contract gives Porto leverage, and the Reds should resist paying a premium based on potential alone. Their recruitment team must assess his decision-making, end product, durability and response to an intense schedule before committing such a fee.
The Chelsea transfer news market could provide a useful comparison, but Liverpool’s need is specific: a left-footed right-winger who presses hard and threatens goal. Gomes matches that outline on paper, yet the price turns a promising target into a major financial call.
Should Liverpool pay €100 million for William Gomes?
Liverpool should pursue Gomes, but they should not treat the release clause as a fair valuation. His age, footedness and defensive effort make him an attractive fit for Iraola’s approach, while his limited senior record leaves uncertainty. A deal closer to his reported market value would make sense; €100 million would demand proof of elite output first. Liverpool need a credible Salah successor, not a costly bet driven by urgency.
