Presently, Liverpool FC are eyeing a summer transfer for Sporting CP winger Marcus Edwards. Further, discussions have intensified amidst talks of Sporting’s manager Ruben Amorim potentially making the switch to Anfield, with Edwards emerging as a prime target under his influence.
The 25-year-old English winger was once a part of Tottenham Hotspur’s youth setup. Thereafter, he has found a new lease of life in Portugal, playing for Sporting CP.
Edwards’ flair and dynamic style of play have caught the eye of Liverpool’s scouting team. They see him as a potential future successor to Mohamed Salah. Rumours of interest from Saudi Arabia for Mo Salah are flying around.
Why Marcus Edwards?
Despite very limited opportunities at Tottenham, Edwards has flourished in the Primeira Liga, gaining impressive statistics in the 2023/2024 season.
Subsequently, with 4 goals and 3 assists to his name, along with leading key passes and dribbles per game for Sporting, Edwards has proven himself as a standout player.
| Marcus Edwards vs Sporting CP squad – 2023/2024 stats | ||
| Stats | Output | Squad rank |
| Appearances | 15 (7) | 13th |
| Goals | 4 | 6th |
| Assists | 3 | 8th |
| Key Passes Per Game | 2.1 | 1st |
| Dribbles Per Game | 1.4 | 2nd |
| Match rating | 7.04 | 4th |
| Correct as of 10/04/2024 | ||
Further, Marcus Edwards ‘leaves people for dead’, according to Owen Hargreaves. On Edwards, TNT Sports pundit Hargreaves said,
“On the ball, dribbling at people, he’s up there. He leaves people for dead. Technically he’s fantastic. The young man has so much ability with the ball at his feet, makes it look easy.”
Lest the prospect of Edwards returning to the Premier League has long been on the cards. Also, in a previous encounter against his former club Spurs in 2022, Edwards expressed his desire to play in England again, calling it as ‘home’.
Such sentiments coupled with an approximate release clause of £52 million make him an enticing target for Liverpool.
While this move may be seen as a downgrade from Salah, who has curved his name in Liverpool’s history with surreal performances, Edwards may bring a fresh dimension to the Reds’ attacking lineup.
Furthermore, his ability to leave defenders trailing in his wake, combined with his adaptability to Amorim’s tactics, could prove invaluable in Liverpool’s campaign.
Lastly, the club’s hierarchy is now juggling priorities between securing a new coach and planning for the summer transfer window. But the arrival of Amorim may act as a catalyst for negotiations for Edwards.
