Liverpool needs to bring in two forward players this week, but the clock is ticking before the transfer deadline, and sporting director Richard Hughes can't leave Andoni Iraola short
Curtis Jones is leaving Liverpool
Curtis Jones is leaving Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
With a clear need for more attacking depth before the September 1 transfer deadline arrives, Liverpool is working on more incomings, though the clock is ticking.
News of a move for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh emerged on Thursday, while Bradley Barcola remains a top target. And it could be a very busy week for sporting director Richard Hughes, with Curtis Jones closing in on an exit to Inter Milan too.
Andoni Iraola has made no secret of the fact that he needs more players to come in. And losing Jones, even though he has never really been a regular starter, would be a blow.
It would be a big ask for Trey Nyoni to step up and play the role that Jones did, though some of his 2800 minutes last season were at right-back, where there should now be other options.
In the eyes of many, replacing Jones would be sensible, though it remains to be seen if the right player is available on the market. His exit is no huge shock, so there has been plenty of time to plan, and Nyoni's pathway should not be blocked.
The main priority in the next week or so has to be getting at least one more addition over the line in attack. Barcola coming in would be significant, but ideally, there would be others too.
Bradley Barcola in Champions League action for PSG against Liverpool
Bradley Barcola in Champions League action for PSG against Liverpool(Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Alongside Minteh, PSG's Ibrahim Mbaye has been considered by Liverpool, and there is an acceptance that more is required out wide.
As it stands, Cody Gakpo might need to fill in at number nine at times, with Hugo Ekitike injured, and Federico Chiesa is not a realistic option to play regularly down the right.
Adding, say, Barcola and Minteh, though it would cost the best part of $250M, would have a transformative impact on the number and quality of forward players that Iraola can call upon.
It is vitally important that Liverpool does not leave itself light, or end up having to overly rely on the 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha.
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Even in the event that Liverpool does sign two more forwards, keeping Gakpo — amid interest from Tottenham — would be ideal. The Dutchman might be required centrally.
Meanwhile, there are decisions to be made on the likes of Lewis Koumas, who could head out on loan, and Chiesa, who has failed to do enough to convince as a regular option.
With 11 days of the summer window remaining, there is still plenty that could happen. Lots need to happen if Liverpool is to get itself into the right shape to be able to kick on.