It may seem odd to question the attack of a team that has just topped the Premier League scoring charts, netted 123 goals in all competitions, and boasts the most lethal striker in English soccer in Mohamed Salah.
However, since Luis Suarez's exit in 2014, Liverpool's forward line has never been more uncertain. While top scorer Salah has put an end to speculation about his future by signing a new contract, there are still doubts surrounding the rest of Liverpool's attacking contingent.
Some rumors, like those involving Cody Gakpo, are flimsy at best, with fleeting links to Bayern Munich. There's no indication that the Reds would even consider selling the forward.
Despite struggling with form and fitness throughout the season, any whispers about Diogo Jota departing have so far been purely speculative. However, the future of the remaining forwards is less certain, including teenage winger Ben Doak. After an impressive loan stint in the Championship with Middlesbrough, he's caught the eye of Everton following Crystal Palace's unsuccessful attempt to sign him in January.
Luis Diaz has openly acknowledged that his agents have been in discussions with other clubs - Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League continue to show interest in the Colombian winger, while also expressing his contentment at Liverpool. Yet there's been no progress on a new contract for the 28-year-old, whose current deal runs out in two years.
In recent interviews, Federico Chiesa has expressed that while he's content at Anfield, he'd prefer a move back to Italy to secure more regular playing time and boost his chances of featuring in next summer's World Cup. Then there's Darwin Nunez.
Darwin Nunez
Nunez has struggled to cement a place in Liverpool's starting XI since arriving from Benfica three years ago (Image: Getty Images)
According to reports this weekend, it didn't take an end-of-season chat with Slot last month for Nunez to realize his chances at Liverpool next season would be slim.
This was evident during the second half of the recently concluded title-winning campaign, where Nunez only started eight Premier League matches, just one of which came after Boxing Day. Given Jota's inconsistent form, the fact that Diaz was often chosen as a makeshift No. 9 speaks volumes.
What happens next with the Uruguayan will likely influence any further moves Liverpool make when the transfer window reopens on Monday for the rest of the summer. Liverpool has already secured one option with the signing of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. Comfortable on the right flank, he's a probable alternative for Salah when the Egyptian heads off for Africa Cup of Nations duty over Christmas.
Additionally, a deal has been agreed with Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz. The German international, although primarily an attacking midfielder, can play in various forward roles and could potentially step in as a false No. 9.
However, if Nunez were to leave, it would amplify the need for a new striker. While the Saudi Pro League made an unsuccessful approach in January and Al-Hilal showed interest ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, no deal followed.
Instead, the latest whispers suggest that the player is keen to remain in Europe, which could hinder Liverpool from securing the kind of fee they might have received had Nunez moved to the Middle East. Italian reports indicate that AC Milan has joined Napoli in the chase for the Uruguayan, although there's an understanding that the player will still command a hefty price tag.
Given that Liverpool's total expenditure this summer is set to exceed $200 million when Wirtz and, as anticipated, Milos Kerkez follow Frimpong, any significant signings will hinge on departures, and Nunez's replacement would be necessary.
The Reds have long admired Alexander Isak but are conscious of the challenges, particularly the cost, of convincing Newcastle to sell, and continue to be linked with Eintracht Frankfurt's French under-21 international Hugo Ekitike.
Given the current scarcity of available strikers, any new signing won't come cheap. That's why Nunez's situation between now and 1 September will significantly impact the scale of Liverpool's attacking overhaul.