Liverpool have received a stark recommendation to dive into the summer transfer market for a new striker following the devastating injury to Hugo Ekitike. The French international suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during Liverpool's Champions League quarter-final second leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday evening.
Ekitike's Season-Ending Injury
The 23-year-old forward, who joined Liverpool from Rennes last summer in a deal potentially worth £79 million, now faces a prolonged rehabilitation period estimated between six to nine months. This serious setback has already ruled him out of contention for France's World Cup squad this summer, as confirmed by national team coach Didier Deschamps.
Ekitike had been enjoying a productive debut season at Anfield, netting 17 goals across all competitions before his campaign was abruptly halted. His absence creates significant attacking concerns for Liverpool, particularly given Alexander Isak's recent return from a four-month injury layoff involving a fractured fibula and ankle problems.
Shearer's Transfer Verdict
Former Newcastle and Blackburn striker Alan Shearer has publicly urged Liverpool to pursue reinforcements in the striking department. Speaking to Betfair, Shearer emphasized the severity of the situation.
"Ekitike will be a huge miss for Liverpool with his serious injury," Shearer stated. "Him and Szoboszlai have probably been the best two players for Liverpool this season."
Shearer elaborated on the broader context, noting: "I think they're going to have to go into the transfer market now looking for a striker off the back of this injury because, as well as that, the likes of Andy Robertson and Salah are leaving as well."
Liverpool's Striking Dilemma
With Ekitike sidelined and Isak's fitness still a concern after his extended absence, Liverpool face genuine depth issues in their forward line. Shearer highlighted this precarious situation, explaining: "Ekitike is going to be out for six to nine months, so my guess is they'll have to go into the market. Isak hasn't played for a full season either, so the answer is they're going to have to."
The former England captain acknowledged the uncertainties surrounding Liverpool's transfer strategy, adding: "Who they go for I don't know, and how much they can spend we don't know, but Liverpool will have to go again, because this season's not been good enough for their own very high standards."
Broader Season Analysis
Shearer dismissed injuries as the sole reason for Liverpool's disappointing campaign, suggesting multiple factors contributed to their struggles. "Injuries have not been the reason for Liverpool's poor season; every team has injuries. I would say it's more than the injuries as I think it's been many things," he remarked.
The football pundit pointed to underperformance from key players and disappointing returns from new signings. "Clearly, their two big hitters in Van Dijk and Salah haven't been anywhere near the standard that we've seen in the past," Shearer observed. "Their new signings, other than probably Ekitike, haven't worked as yet and you can say that with all of them."
Shearer concluded with a sober assessment of Liverpool's current position: "We haven't seen the best of any of them, perhaps other than Ekitike, which, when you consider the money that's been spent has partly been down to their demise this season. There are so many areas to improve on for Liverpool."
The coming summer transfer window now appears crucial for Liverpool as they seek to address their striking shortage and rebuild a squad capable of returning to their previous heights.
