£80m and he's yours: Liverpool can't miss opportunity for one of world's best forwards

Liverpool completed £450m worth of spending in last summer’s transfer window.

The Reds did British record deals for Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz - with others such as Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni and Giorgi Mamardashvili also coming to the club.

But the fact of the matter is that head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes are still waiting for these signings to pay off.

Up front the effect from Isak and Wirtz has been negligible - while Ekitike has tailed off after a strong start.

Accordingly it has been suggested that the spending is NOT finished up top - and Liverpool could target even more attackers in the new year.

Vini Jr's Real Madrid contract standoff

One area perhaps due an upgrade is left wing. Cody Gakpo won the battle with Luis Diaz over the summer and has only got teenager Rio Ngumoha as a deputy.

There is a sense that a better player in that position could help improve Liverpool’s fortunes - and now the opportunity to sign one of the world’s very best has arisen.

Vinicius Junior, 25, is reaching a crucial stage in his Real Madrid career. The Brazil winger’s contract expires in 2027 but right now a renewal looks a remote possibility.

Not only is there a standoff owing to finances, but it’s believed Vini is not enjoying working under new head coach Xabi Alonso. Vini could therefore be offered out for sale in 2026 - in order for Madrid to avoid losing him for nothing in 2027.

Liverpool a contender for Vinicius in summer 2026

And according to a report in Football Insider, the reigning Premier League champions would JUMP at the chance to sign Vinicius.

“Vinicius Junior would likely cost around £80million next summer if he completes a Real Madrid exit,” the report reads.

“The likes of Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in Vinicius Jr, whose contract at the Spanish club expires in June 2027.

“If he did become available at the end of the season, then Liverpool would be interested in making a statement signing.

“Arne Slot’s side have struggled out wide this term following Luis Diaz’s move to Bayern Munich, and would jump at the chance to sign one of the world’s best.”

Vini Jr shortlisted for Ballon d'Or

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Antoine Semenyo - who could cost £65m from Bournemouth - as well as Michael Olise from Bayern Munich.

Vini is a unique opportunity however given his talent and stature within the game. He was a Ballon d’Or runner-up in 2024 and won The Best FIFA’s Men’s Player award the same year.

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