Brian Brobbey has been thrust into the transfer conversation after a thunderous display for Sunderland, with Darren Lewis for talkSPORT making the case for some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs to take a serious look. After a hat-trick at the Etihad in a chaotic 5-3 defeat to Manchester City, the 24-year-old has suddenly become a far louder talking point in recruitment circles.

That performance did more than add three goals to his seasonal tally. It reinforced the traits that have long made Brobbey such a distinctive striker, power, aggression, hold-up play and a capacity to dominate centre-backs physically. For clubs trying to diversify their attack, there is a logic to the discussion.

Lewis summed up the appeal in vivid terms, saying: “I watched him play in the Netherlands game vs Sweden at the World Cup. It was a fantastic example of terrific centre forward play. He was bullying centre-halves, latching onto balls from the wide areas. The way that [manager] Ronald Koeman played him was superb because he was just a one-man wrecking ball.”

That description captures the essence of Brobbey. He does not rely on intricate embellishment or high-volume touches in polished areas. His game is more confrontational and disruptive. He pins defenders, creates territory, occupies both centre-halves and gives team-mates a target. In a league where variety in the final third often proves decisive, that profile still carries major value.

Lewis then moved the conversation towards possible destinations, adding: “I see him as an option at Liverpool… with his strength, but his vision and his ability to read the game so well. And to take advantage, latch onto one centre-half, then another. And just intimidate and frighten the life out of them. Man United could really do with somebody with that capability. I think Arsenal could [too], absolutely.”

From a Liverpool perspective, the case is not entirely straightforward. Alexander Isak is already in place and remains a leading reference point in the attack, while Hugo Ekitike is expected back later this year. That reduces the immediate urgency for another central striker, particularly one whose role would need clear definition in the squad.

Even so, there is a broader strategic question. Brobbey offers a very different attacking mechanism. He could provide a more direct route, especially against deep blocks or in games where Liverpool need second balls, territory and a focal point under pressure. A squad competing across multiple fronts can benefit from having contrasting profiles, rather than near-identical options.

The issue, naturally, is whether Liverpool would prioritise that type of investment now. Sunderland signed him from Ajax for £17 million in 2025, and a standout season in the Premier League would push the valuation significantly higher. Clubs may admire the player, but timing is everything in this market.