Liverpool are expected to retain the services of forward Diogo Jota beyond the end of the summer transfer window, according to a new update.
The Lowdown: Jota linked with exit
The Portuguese burst onto the scene at Anfield when he joined from Wolves back in 2020, immediately becoming a key attacker and scoring nine Premier League goals in his first season.
The last year or so has proven to be extremely frustrating for Jota, however, having not scored since the 2-2 draw at Manchester City last April, suffering with multiple lengthy injury problems.
At same the time, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo have both become important players and made competition for places stronger, arguably pushing the 26-year-old down the pecking order.
Jota has looked out of sorts since returning from injury, struggling in Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid, and some reports have even linked with him an exit from Liverpool this summer.
A new update has now emerged, however – one that u-turns from the rumours of a pending departure.
The Latest: Expected to stay
According to Football Insider, Jota ‘remains a key part of Liverpool’s plans’ moving forward and the club do not have any intention of moving him on, despite the ‘suggestions’ otherwise.
Any attempts from other clubs to snap up the forward would be ‘flatly turned down’, according to the report, with Jurgen Klopp seemingly considering him a key figure still.
His current deal at Anfield doesn’t expire until the summer of 2027, so a big bid would likely be needed to prise him away.
The Verdict: Still an important figure
There is no question that Jota’s performance in the past 12 months have been worse than they were when he joined – no goals this season is a testament to that – but selling him would be a mistake, given the quality he possesses.
The 29-cap Portugal international has scored 34 goals and registered 15 assists in 101 Liverpool appearances, as well as being hailed as ‘exceptional’ by Klopp.
Injuries have been a massive reason for Jota’s struggles, allowing him no rhythm whatsoever and affecting his sharpness, and if he can just enjoy a run in the team from this point onwards, there is no reason why he can’t help drive the Reds to a top-four finish.
Granted, he may not be a nailed-on starter moving forward, given the competition for places in Liverpool’s attacking ranks, but he has done more than enough to prove his worth in the past three seasons, and at 26, remains a relatively young footballer.
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