Liverpool's improvements over the past month have hinted at a prosperous future for this expensive crop of players, though there's no mistaking the Herculean task that Arne Slot still has ahead of him.
This remains a tactically imbalanced team, lacking the fluency and sharpness that was ever-present last season until the Premier League title had been secured.
Sporting director Richard Hughes appears to be gearing up for a signing or two in the January transfer window, with multiple targets being eyed. Alexander Isak's fractured fibula could shift attention to the front of the ship.
However, Antoine Semenyo is advancing in talks with Manchester City, so that one's off the cards. Still, though, the Reds have earmarked a number of targets ahead of the January transfer window.
Liverpool targeting forwards
Sky Sports have confirmed that FSG are accelerating their transfer plans now that Isak is set to be sidelined for the foreseeable future.
While Slot still has elite attacking options at his disposal, with Isak out and Mohamed Salah off at the African Cup of Nations with Egypt, he needs width and dynamism, especially after deciding against replacing Luis Diaz when the Colombian was sold to Bayern Munich in August.
Arne Slot and Hugo Ekitike
Semenyo might be headed for the Etihad Stadium, but Liverpool have had their sights on an exciting alternative in recent months, and now they could raise their curiosity levels.
According to reports from the start of December, Liverpool have registered an interest in Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, whose future with the Spanish giants has been questioned throughout 2025.
Valued at £70m, the 24-year-old is one of the most talented and high-profile wingers in the world, and his preference to play off the left wing would be perfect for Liverpool.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo celebrates scoring their first goal
Uncertainty around Vinicius Junior's future at the Santiago Bernabeu and Rodrygo's recent uptick in form suggest Liverpool could struggle to prise him away in January, but the decision to ease interest in Semenyo does indicate Hughes has a different trick up his sleeve.
Why Liverpool should sign Rodrygo
Rodrygo went over 30 games without a goal for Real Madrid before ending his drought with a well-taken goal against Manchester City in the Champions League. Less than a week later, he had broken his La Liga duck, scoring against Alaves in a 2-1 win.
Rodrygo was and is a "world-class" member of Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid side, as has been said by former teammate Luka Modric, and though he has missed great chances throughout his Real Madrid woes over the last year, he remains a superstar, sure to return to the top.
He is a breakneck and intelligent forward, only with five league starts to his name this year, but having completed 90% of his passes and created four big chances for his teammates, as per Sofascore. Rodrygo is a victim of a diminished role that relegates him beneath his level, and Liverpool could help him in his career rebirth.
Real Madrid star Rodrygo
While he is principally a wide forward, the Brazil international might actually be the perfect Isak replacement. Hugo Ekitike, after all, is more than capable of holding down the fort at number nine.
Moreover, Rodrygo's underlying data showcases his elite talent, and indeed, why he would be the perfect addition to add another top talent to the ranks, more so than someone like Semenyo.
Rodrygo vs Semenyo (past 12 months)
Stats (per 90)
Goals scored
Assists
Shots taken
Shot-creating actions
Touches (att pen)
Pass completion (%)
Progressive passes
Progressive carries
Successful take-ons
Ball recoveries
Tackles + interceptions
Data via FBref
Looking at it from this slant, we see why Rodrygo would be the perfect Isak replacement but also an exciting Semenyo alternative, one who could work in conjunction with Isak when he returns to match fitness. Even at this low ebb does Rodrygo outstrip the Ghanaian across a number of metrics.
The Sweden striker is unquestionably one of the best strikers in the world, even after a testing start to his Liverpool career. But Isak, 26, needs cogs to work with, and Rodrygo would be the perfect fit, capable of replacing him and enhancing Liverpool's fluidity before combining with the marksman later down the line.
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak-2
Isak's injury record isn't great, and is bound to have sown anxiety into the hearts of the many Reds supporters across the globe. However, Rodrygo could be the perfect solution, with his versatility lending itself to Slot's system.
Diaz, for example, thrived in a centre-forward berth for the Reds at times last season, and perhaps Rodrygo could emulate him there.
Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo Related
[Slot's best move yet: Liverpool want to sign PL "monster" alongside Semenyo](https://www.footballfancast.com/iverpool-ready-to-seal-marc-guehi-alongside-semenyo/ "Slot's best move yet: Liverpool want to sign PL "monster" alongside Semenyo")
Liverpool are prepared for another flurry of activity in the January transfer market.