Liverpool supporters are looking towards the January transfer window with an expectation that their club will bring in another attacking addition.
The Reds signed Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz for big money last summer, but injury has left them looking short on numbers heading into the New Year.
Isak is not expected back until March, while there have been concerns over the output of regular starters Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
Who should replace Alexander Isak in Liverpool’s starting XI?
Arne Slot is running out of options…
Alexander Isak is helped off the field after picking up an injury after scoring for Liverpool against Tottenham
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Liverpool’s attacking options heading into the Christmas period:
Hugo Ekitike
Federico Chiesa
Florian Wirtz
Rio Ngumoha
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Truly, Ekitike is the only one fully delivering in the forward line this season, and Arne Slot has highlighted one key component that has allowed the Frenchman to be such a success at Liverpool.
In giving an honest appraisal on Ekitike, Slot also hinted at what he’s still planning to add to his forward line at Anfield, with another PSG-related clue dropped.
Arne Slot wants more pace at Liverpool
Like so many others, Slot was clearly impressed with PSG when Liverpool faced them during last season’s Champions League.
There have been suggestions that the Dutchman has been trying to build his Reds team in the image of the European champions, and in highlighting Ekitike’s pace this week, Slot has reaffirmed that belief.
Arne Slot shouts instructions as Hugo Ekitike walks past him during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan at San Siro.
Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
READ MORE: Ranking Liverpool’s seven first team signings in 2025 as Reds face ‘flop of the year’ debate
“He [Ekitike] belongs to the fastest players we have,” Slot told Sky Sports. “That was one of the things I wanted to add to this team, incredible pace, because I see many of the top teams have one, two, three individuals that have pace that is exceptional.”
“Of course we faced Paris Saint-Germain last season where we had to face Dembele, Barcola, Doue, all of these incredibly fast players. So, that is what we’ve tried to add with him.”
Although it is arguable whether Ekitike has the searing speed of Dembele, Barcola or Doue, it is encouraging that Slot sees the pace problem Liverpool currently have.
Pick Liverpool’s front-three vs Wolves! 🔮Will Chiesa finally get a start? 😲
Dominik Szoboszlai during Liverpool FC v PSV Eindhoven - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5
Credit: Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
None of Salah, Gakpo or even Isak are especially quick, and when the Reds do eventually bring in another forward, you can bet that speed is going to be right at the top of his list of best attributes.
Bradley Barcola could be part of Liverpool plan
Bringing speed back to Liverpool’s forward line will go a long way to solving some of the issues Slot has run into this season.
Ekitike is a quick player, but he should not be one of the fastest within the Liverpool squad. If he is, then the Reds are in trouble.
The France international could do with a Dembele or a Barcola either side of him, and although it feels a tough deal to do in the immediate future, Liverpool have been linked with the latter.
Reports from France suggest that Liverpool are in the mix to sign Barcola as he struggles to agree a new contract in Paris.
Even if the 23-year-old does not end up at Anfield, the next attacking player through the door should bring Slot’s PSG-tinged vision closer to arriving. Ekitike is a good start, but more pace is needed at Liverpool.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox