Liverpool have been implored by former Kop hero Luis Suarez to sign compatriot Maxi Gomez, it has been reported.
Gomez has had a good season for Celta Vigo in the Spanish Primera Liga, having been directly involved in 14 goals so far this season.
A report by the Guardian states that Suarez has recommended Gomez to Liverpool, who seem to be struggling to find the back of the net in recent games. The forward will cost the Reds £35m.
The Reds haven’t been consistent in front of goal, having been involved in three 0-0 draws in the last four games in all competitions.
Two of those draws have come in the Premier League where the Reds have now slipped to second in the league table. Can Gomez help the team next season?
Gomez – fact file
The Uruguayan has been a rare bright spot in what has been a miserable season for Celta so far as they find themselves just two points above the relegation zone in 17th place.
Gomez joined Celta in the summer of 2017, and has gone on to make 63 appearances for the club after that, scoring 27 times in the process.
Unlike Roberto Firmino, Gomez would offer a plan B to Liverpool as he is a good presence in the box, and would allow a more direct approach. That doesn’t mean he’s just another Andy Carroll who relies on only aerial duels, though.
Gomez is adept at holding the ball, and is a competent technically, so he wouldn’t struggle in the Liverpool set-up.
Is Gomez the player Liverpool need?
Gomez is still only 22, and has a lot to work on. His passing, for one, isn’t the strongest, though it has to be pointed out that he hasn’t been helped by his teammates at Celta who don’t seem to have a game plan.
The Uruguayan would add more strength and depth to Liverpool, and his asking fee, he wouldn’t be the worst addition.
Having said that, if Liverpool fail to win the league this season, signing a 22-year old for backup might be the most prudent of moves.
Despite a strong starting lineup and a decent bench, Liverpool might come up short which means they need more high calibre players who can handle the pressure of chasing the title.
For that, they’d need players more experienced that Gomez, even though he a good player in his own right.
Nice