Liverpool transfer news has brought William Gomes back into focus, with A BOLA reporting that the club continue to rate the FC Porto winger highly. The Brazilian offers a natural left-footed option on the right, a profile Liverpool could value after Mohamed Salah’s departure.
Liverpool transfer news: William Gomes emerges as an £87m target
Gomes joined Porto from São Paulo in January 2025 for a reported €9 million. His direct running, close control and ability to attack defenders make him an interesting option for Liverpool’s right flank. At 20, he could offer significant room for improvement, although the Premier League would demand greater consistency and quicker decisions.
Liverpool have reportedly signed Bradley Barcola and Víctor Muñoz following Salah’s exit. However, neither player naturally replicates the Egyptian’s left-footed threat from the right, according to the supplied report. Gomes could provide a different option, cutting inside to shoot or combining with overlapping full-backs.
His reported performances during the 2025–26 campaign strengthened his reputation. The supplied figures credit him with 13 goals as Porto won the Primeira Liga title. He has reportedly added 2 goals and 2 assists across 7 league starts this season.
Porto have moved to protect their investment. According to the report, Gomes signed a contract extension on 8 October 2026, keeping him at the Portuguese club until June 2031. His release clause reportedly increased from €80 million to €100 million, equivalent to approximately £87 million.
Porto president André Villas-Boas has stated that Gomes attracted interest from several clubs, while stressing the winger’s total commitment to Porto. That stance makes negotiations harder for Liverpool, who may need to consider the full release clause rather than expect a bargain.
Should Liverpool pay £87m for William Gomes?
From a tactical perspective, Gomes offers an appealing blend of pace, dribbling and inside movement. A high-intensity system needs wide attackers who press aggressively, recover quickly and threaten defenders in transition. His left foot could create shooting angles from the right, while his movement could open space for advancing midfielders.
However, Liverpool should assess his defensive work, decision-making and output against stronger opposition before committing such a large fee. Thirteen league goals represent an encouraging return, but they do not guarantee immediate success in England.
My view is that Julian Ward should pursue Gomes, but Liverpool must establish a sensible valuation before making a serious bid. An £87m fee would place enormous pressure on a young player with limited experience outside Portugal. If Porto refuse to negotiate below that figure, Liverpool should compare alternative right-wingers and preserve funds for other positions.
Gomes has the profile to address a genuine squad need. Yet Liverpool must pay for proven impact, not simply potential, when Salah’s goals and creativity leave such a substantial gap.
