Alexander Isak has struggled since his British-record move to Liverpool on deadline day.placeholder image
Alexander Isak has struggled since his British-record move to Liverpool on deadline day. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool will be without Alexander Isak as he recovers from surgery
Considering signing a new striker after spending more than £200 million on two marquee signings over the summer is probably not what many predicted to be on Liverpool’s transfer plans for January.
Frustratingly for Arne Slot, that is the reality his side is now facing. Alexander Isak is confirmed to be out of action for at least ‘a couple of months’ after undergoing surgery this week. The Swede, who set a new British transfer record with his £125 million Deadline Day move to Anfield, suffered a broken leg when Liverpool faced Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
Isak scored just his second Premier League goal for the Reds but will now miss a large chunk of the second half of the season. This leaves Liverpool with just one fit, natural centre-forward in Hugo Ekitike.
Will Liverpool sign a new striker in January?
Liverpool have been looking to bolster their attack in January, with Antoine Semenyo heavily linked with an Anfield switch. However, a new centre-forward was not deemed a priority before Isak’s injury. The 26-year-old is expected to return with time left to play this season but relying solely on Ekitike until then is risky business. Along with their mission to climb up the Premier League table, Liverpool also have Champions League football to focus on.
Mohamed Salah, who can play centre-forward, will be unavailable until potentially late January, depending on how far Egypt reach at AFCON. With options up front now strained, reports have suggested Liverpool could opt to sign a new striker on loan once the January transfer window opens.
Liverpool should hijack Lyon loan signing of Endrick
Formerly Liverpool-linked Brazilian Endrick is on the cusp of agreeing a loan move to Lyon for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. The 19-year-old signed for Real Madrid in 2024 once he turned 18 and showed a lot of promise under former manager Carlo Ancelotti.
However, Endrick is struggling to establish himself under Xabi Alonso, leading him to pursue a loan move away in order to bank important playing time. Prior to his move to Real Madrid, Liverpool were keen on a young Endrick and his availability has come at an ideal time for the Reds to reignite their interest.
Ekitike has already proven he was a great choice of signing for Liverpool. The French star has kept Isak out of a starting role recently and will continue to lead the attacking line in his absence. The Reds shouldn’t be looking for another top bracket, marquee centre-forward to compete with Ekitike this winter, but more someone who can support him in a back-up role.
According to ESPN, Endrick is expected to undergo a medical with Lyon on Wednesday, with a six-month loan deal agreed between the Ligue 1 side and Real Madrid. However, there is still time for Liverpool to hijack the move and work on taking Endrick for themselves.
While he has struggled to get going this season under Alonso, Endrick is a highly appreciated and sought-after young talent who could provide important depth and something exciting to Slot’s team short-term. The rising Brazilian star has been likened to Pele in his early years, although he plays down the comparison.
Earlier this year, former Madrid boss Ancelotti was full of praise for Endrick after he scored the winning goal during last season’s Copa del Rey semi-final.
“He is spectacular. He has these amazing characteristics he has shown whenever he has a chance. His accuracy is off the charts, he's quick and he still has a lot to improve with the ball. But, wow, his dribbling, his runs... the shot he has... he could even score a second goal easily with that great strike off the post... He is just spectacular. Very young, but a very fast learner.”
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