Liverpool’s need for more attacking options was laid bare during their 2-2 draw with Fulham.
The Reds had to go to Craven Cottage on Sunday without a recognised striker due to Hugo Ekitike missing out because of a slight hamstring issue, although it is not meant to be serious.
Who was Liverpool’s best player during the disappointing draw at Fulham?
Fulham v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
However, with Alexander Isak out for a long time, it shows that when the Frenchman is unavailable, Liverpool are really short of options, with Cody Gakpo the one who had to play as their number nine.
Although he scored, he simply is not good enough to lead the line, suggesting they might need a short-term fix to manage Ekitike’s game time and get them by while Isak is out.
Due to the money they have spent in the forward line, they will not spend big or perhaps even make a permanent move, so here are four options they could sign on loan this winter.
Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney of Al Ahli celebrates after scoring the 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli and Al Nassr at Alinma Stadium
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
Ivan Toney feels the best option out of anyone as there are rumours that he could be open to a Premier League move to try and get in the England squad ahead of the World Cup.
If that is the case, Liverpool should absolutely be in the queue as he has shown what he is capable of in England and is a physical presence that they have perhaps lacked.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
At just 29, the boyhood Liverpool fan still has plenty to give too and with eight goals in 11 games this season, it is evident that he knows where the back of the net is, making him the ideal candidate.
Goncalo Ramos
Gonçalo Ramos of PSG looks on during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Paris FC at Parc des Princes
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
Goncalo Ramos is a name that has been linked with Liverpool a few times in the past, and with his game time at PSG not improving, a temporary switch might do him some good.
Similarly to Toney, he will want to be going to the World Cup, but he probably will not get in the Portugal side unless he gets some game time.
He often comes off the bench for the French giants and does have a decent goalscoring record after reaching double digits in the last two seasons, showing how he can certainly play.
Ramos is also a physical presence, but can also run in behind defences, meaning he might be a better fit for Liverpool than many realise.
Jonathan David
Who is Liverpool’s best short-term striker fix this January?
Liverpool's striker options in January
Liverpool’s striker options in January
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Another player who is linked with a move away is Juventus’ Jonathan David, with the Canadian not settling in at the Italian club as he would have hoped.
He is already said to have discussed moving away and Liverpool might be the ones who can reignite his career with a six-month loan deal.
With Juventus linked with Federico Chiesa too, some sort of deal could be struck, although it seems unlikely that Liverpool will allow him to go as their goal is to add depth and attacking options, not lose any.
Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay of Corinthians celebrates after winning the penalty shootout of the Copa do Brasil Semi-final Second Leg match between Corinthians and Cruzeiro at Arena Corinthians
Photo by Riquelve Nata/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
The last option might seem far-fetched given his links to Manchester United, but Memphis Depay might be the perfect short-term option.
The 31-year-old is currently playing in Brazil for Corinthians, but might fancy his chances at a higher level just to make sure of a World Cup spot, although he will likely go anyway.
But being Dutch, he has strong links to many of Liverpool’s players, suggesting that he would settle in quickly and hit the ground running, which is exactly what they need.
He still has his pace too and knows where the back of the net is, so this could be one of the more likely options.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox