Liverpool are preparing for a summer of change in attack and the form of Diogo Jota could have a big say in how the Reds go about their business in the transfer market
Liverpool have so often relied on Diogo Jota to change football games – but, he’s not been on form as of late.
And he could be at a turning point in his Liverpool career, with Arne Slot planning a squad overhaul in the summer.
Jota, who earned a well-deserved reputation as an early goal-scorer after joining from Wolves in September 2020, scored the first goal of the Slot era.
The Portuguese star set Liverpool on the path to a 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Ipswich Town on the Premier League’s opening weekend in August.
Jota kicked off the season as the favoured central striker, starting 10 out of the first 11 matches across all competitions. He added three more goals to his tally – including the sole goal in the win against Crystal Palace – and provided three assists.
However, a concerning upper body injury sustained during the Chelsea match in October marked a turning point. Since then, Jota hasn’t been the same, and Liverpool’s central attack has also suffered, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Upon his return in mid-December, he scored crucial equalisers off the bench against Fulham at home and Nottingham Forest away. But as a starter, Jota has seemed out of form – a situation not helped by another muscle issue.
This was evident in his lacklustre performances against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and a disappointing display in the League Cup final defeat to Newcastle United two weeks ago.
There was a small bit of cheer for Jota when he bagged an assist for Portugal in their UEFA Nations League victory against Denmark last week.
But, the goal-drought’s still on – Jota hasn’t found the net in 10 matches for Liverpool, despite having his job on the pitch made a lot simpler as the central man upfront.
The forward’s not blind to his rough patch. “It’s been a difficult season for me personally,” Jota owned up earlier this month.
“I had a few complications throughout the season. Obviously these last couple of months are the ones that matter the most, where you decide things.
“I don’t feel I’m on my best form at the moment but certainly by playing I will get there. And I always try to do my best, no matter what.”
This question is also being asked about many of Jota’s Liverpool forward colleagues.
Darwin Nunez is still being eyed by Saudi Arabia, Luis Diaz is linked with both the Saudi Pro League and Spain, Federico Chiesa’s limited game time this season has sparked rumours of a return to Italy, and Mohamed Salah is increasingly likely to leave on a free transfer in the summer.
Meanwhile, Wolves have been linked this week with a potential move to bring Jota back to Molineux.
They can’t all depart, and they won’t. However, Slot has repeatedly stated that Liverpool will be looking for a new number nine in the upcoming transfer window, casting doubt over everyone who has played in that position this season.