Just as it looked as though Alexander Isak was finally starting to find his groove at Liverpool disaster has struck. In finding the back of the net against Tottenham Hotspur, the Swedish striker was injured and is set for a long-spell on the sidelines with what looks to be a broken leg.
Arne Slot likely would have been prioritising a centre-back this winter, and perhaps even another midfielder, but may well now be forced into the market to sign a new forward. Plans on that front may also be accelerated due to Mohamed Salah's inconsistent form, consequent fallout with his manager, and departure to the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Reds may well end up signing another forward in January, but having spent big on Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitke in the summer, they won't have an unlimited budget. With that in mind, here are five good-value options they could bring in to help bolster the attack.
Franculino Dju
FC Midtjylland's Franculino Dju celebrates scoring vs Celtic
Franculino Dju may not be a name familiar to every Premier League fan, but for those keeping half an eye on Danish football, the striker has been impossible to miss. With 21 goals and three assists across 30 appearances, the 21-year-old has established himself as one of the hottest properties on the European market.
According to journalist Christian Falk, Liverpool "very interested in him", and he could cost around £21.8m to £26.2m. Considering he has a goal contribution every 85 minutes this term, the striker could represent brilliant value for money as an alternative striker option while Isak is out.
Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck celebrates his goal against Nottingham Forest by blowing a kiss.
Photos courtesy of Reuters.
He may now be 35, but Danny Welbeck has aged like fine wine, proving to be a reliable goal-threat for Brighton in recent years. With seven league goals to his name this term, he's comfortably outscored Isak, too.
Manchester United were linked with their former player earlier on in the campaign, but with a contract expiring at the end of the season, he could be a cheap option for Liverpool to move for instead. The Daily Mail have touted the Englishman as a possible target, and this sort of deal would not leave a long-term bloated squad depth issue to worry about when Isak returns to fitness.
Antoine Semenyo
semenyo bournemouth
The name on everyone's lips right now is Antoine Semenyo. Of course, he won't come cheap, but with a release clause of just £65m, getting a Premier League-proven forward with eight goals and three assists under his belt this term, the Bournemouth ace should be viewed as very good value for money.
A number of teams are in the race for the winger, including both Manchester City and United, but Liverpool won't get pulled into a bidding war thanks to his release clause. Semenyo may well be the most exciting name on the market this winter, and would be a major coup for Liverpool if they do pursue him, with some reports suggesting he's open to the move.
Endrick
Endrick in action for Real Madrid
It wasn't that long ago that Endrick was being touted as the next big thing in Brazilian football, but things haven't really worked out for him at Real Madrid. With just three appearances all term, he's yet to score, and looks set to leave on loan this winter.
Marseille appear to be the most likely option, but if Liverpool came in, the 19-year-old would surely be excited by the prospect of a chance to prove himself in England. What's more, a loan move would be a lot more financially viable, and his return to Madrid in the summer would allow Isak to return from fitness without the long-term fear of overcrowding in the striker position
Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney is an England international, has Premier League experience, and even a life-long Liverpool fan. Add to that the fact that he could cost as little as around £20m this winter, and there are plenty of good reasons for Slot to consider a move.
Still only 29, and with a World Cup spot to play for, the former Brentford man would have plenty of motivation to impress at Anfield too. 42 goals in 62 appearances for Al-Ahli proves that he's delivered the goods in Saudi Arabia, and he certainly didn't struggle for goals in England before his exit in 2024. He'd bring a physical element to the attack, as well as a calmness in front of goal, which would certainly help ease the burden on Ekitike.