Liverpool manager Arne Slot is facing a major squad crisis just as the Premier League's January transfer window approaches, with a significant injury to star striker Alexander Isak forcing the club into decisive action.
Isak Injury Sparks Striker Search
Despite securing a vital 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, the win came at a heavy cost. Swedish international Alexander Isak, the club's £125 million signing, was forced off with a serious leg injury after a challenge from Micky van de Ven. The striker had just opened the scoring but was seen clutching his leg in clear distress.
With an MRI scan pending to confirm the full extent, Isak is expected to be sidelined for an extended period. This blow is compounded by the absence of Mohamed Salah, who is away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, and an injury to Cody Gakpo, leaving Liverpool's forward line dangerously thin.
£65m Move for Bournemouth's Semenyo
To address the immediate shortage, Liverpool are preparing a move for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. The Ghanaian attacker, valued at around £65 million, has been in stellar form this season and is seen as a versatile option who can operate from the left or centrally.
Semenyo has publicly expressed his desire to play as a central striker, telling Andoni Iraola via AwayDays on YouTube: "I'm destined to be a No.9. Gaffer, play me as a nine." Liverpool will face fierce competition for his signature, with Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur also reportedly interested.
Defensive Reinforcement: Guehi Deal Agreed
In defence, Liverpool are moving swiftly to finally secure the signature of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi. The England international came close to joining in the summer, and the club are now determined to get the deal over the line for a fee believed to be in the region of £30 million.
With injuries to Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez, securing Guehi is viewed as essential to avoid a defensive crisis reminiscent of the 2020/21 season. Bayern Munich and Manchester City are also monitoring the situation, increasing the urgency for Liverpool to act.
A Tactical Shift for Wirtz?
The injury issues may also prompt a tactical rethink from Slot regarding record signing Florian Wirtz. The £116 million German prodigy has often been deployed on the left flank, but there is a growing argument to utilise him in his natural number 10 role.
This could see Liverpool shift to a system with a flat midfield partnership of Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, allowing Wirtz to operate behind a front three. Such a change could unlock the 22-year-old's full creative potential and offer a new dimension to Liverpool's attack.
Currently fifth in the table and ten points off the top, Liverpool's ambitions for a European place and an outside title challenge hinge on a successful January window. The potential double signing of Semenyo and Guehi, coupled with a tactical adjustment, could be crucial for Arne Slot's first season at Anfield.
