Liverpool may be forced to bring in a striker this winter with Alexander Isak feared to be out for several months.placeholder image
Liverpool may be forced to bring in a striker this winter with Alexander Isak feared to be out for several months. | AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool may have a new striker in their sights in the January transfer window
Liverpool are assessing their options early in the January transfer window as the Reds decide whether to add new faces to Arne Slot’s squad this winter.
The champions have endured a topsy-turvy season which begun strongly, fell away rapidly in the autumn and has now found somewhat of a middle ground. The Reds are in fourth place but still look far from convincing, with draws against Leeds United (twice) and Sunderland making up part of a seven-match unbeaten run.
Liverpool ‘interest’ in Memphis Depay return to Europe
According to international reports by Bolavip, Liverpool are exploring a sensational move for Corinthians striker Memphis Depay and after ‘showing interest’ have been told the asking price they must pay the Brazilian club in order to land the forward.
Famed for his time at Barcelona, Manchester United and Lyon, the 31-year-old made a surprise move to the Brazilian Série A in September 2024 and has struck 19 times in his time at Corinthians.
Reports state that the Netherlands international, who has made 108 appearances for and remains a key part of the Oranje side captained by Virgil van Dijk, has been ‘closely monitored’ by Liverpool as a potential replacement for Isak to offer more support to Hugo Ekitike in attack.
Corinthians have responded to the interest by placing a strong €10m (£8.7m) valuation on their star man, whom they are not keen to sell unless the price is right. Reporting notes that this price is not as high as those of other figures discussed, and so Depay could be viewed as a bargain option to add some extra firepower up front for the Reds.
‘It’s bigger than football’ - Depay explains Corinthians move
Speaking in 2024, Depay explained to the media the reason why he had decided to leave Europe behind, departing Atletico Madrid for Brazil and Corinthians.
He said: “In Europe, we play at a high level, why, you are in your prime at 30 years old, why do you come to play in the Brazilian league? I think that we have to acknowledge where authentic football comes from as well.
“A lot of stars are coming from Brazil, we know a lot of big, big football players. As I say, I think it’s the Mecca of football. It’s where the Jogo Bonito [comes from], the kids in Europe look up to people in Brazil, they look up to the players and the way they play.
“Also the way they embrace life, because it’s not only football. I think the reason that I am here today, it’s bigger than football. Of course, I’m here to play, to showcase my ability, to compete in a different league. Which I think we need to acknowledge, is a tough league. I have to experience it, but I play against countries like Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, South American countries, and it’s always very hard to compete against them. It’s a different intensity, it’s a different mentality, and I think many will follow after me to come and experience that journey.”
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