REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Over the last couple of years, Liverpool have prided themselves on having one of the best attacks in world football, but it’s safe to say new boss Andoni Iraola does not have such a luxury.
He’s been on the hunt for added reinforcements in such an area throughout the entire window, with only Victor Munoz arriving at Anfield to bolster the frontline.
However, the Spaniard did manage to score in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest and is starting to show signs of being a bargain addition at around £34.5m.
REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Bradley Barcola is also set to arrive on Merseyside before the window closes, but one player could be set for a surprise exit from Iraola’s side before Tuesday’s deadline.
Why Liverpool are making the right call selling Gakpo
Many Liverpool fans may have been surprised to hear the news of winger Cody Gakpo agreeing personal terms to join Premier League rivals Manchester City.
The Dutch international has been largely touted with a move to join Tottenham Hotspur this window, but Enzo Maresca’s men have made a late dash to secure his signature.
Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
A figure in the region of £85m has been mooted for the 27-year-old - a deal which should be accepted should any offer in that region be presented in the days ahead.
Whilst he’s registered a goal and an assist in his first two games this term, there are still concerns about his long-term suitability to Iraola’s high-intensity system.
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Most PL assists for Liverpool (2025/26)
Player
Dominik Szoboszlai
Mohamed Salah
Cody Gakpo
Hugo Ekitike
Alexis Mac Allister
Florian Wirtz
Ryan Gravenberch
Curtis Jones
His stats against Forest on Saturday highlight his struggles in forward areas, which should see the Reds cash in on the attacker to aid their late efforts in the window.
Gakpo only managed to complete 33% of his dribbles against Oliver Glasner’s men, whilst only picking out a teammate with just one of his five attempted crosses.
His tally of seven league goals last season is way below what’s expected of an attacker in Liverpool’s front three, with the Reds able to make a huge profit on his signature before the window closes.
How Liverpool can land an elite-level Gakpo before the deadline
Despite Barcola’s pending arrival, Liverpool are still on the hunt for an added attacking option this summer to hand Iraola the depth he craves in the final third.
Ismaila Sarr has constantly been mentioned as a possible transfer target, but it remains to be seen if the Reds will return with an increased offer after having a £50m bid rejected.
Ismaila Sarr for Crystal Palace-1
He’s not the only forward-minded option on the club’s shortlist, with Stuttgart winger Jamie Leweling another name who could be pursued before the transfer deadline.
It’s been reported by The Telegraph's Mike McGrath that the Reds are looking at a whole host of wingers before the window shuts, with the club's recruitment team having also made enquiries to Stuttgart regarding Leweling.
However, competition for his signature appears to be high, as the likes of AS Roma and Everton have both made their intentions clear to land the 25-year-old. According to Sky Germany's Patrick Berger, the former have even submitted a £34m offer to buy the player.
Liverpool manager Androni Iraola poses for a photograph before the press conference
Liverpool manager Androni Iraola poses for a photograph before the press conference
No fee has been mooted for the attacking star, but it’s clear Iraola sees him as a player who could add needed quality and talent into the senior ranks this window.
Leweling may be an unknown quantity to many Reds supporters, but he’s a player who has constantly caught the eye over recent seasons in the Bundesliga.
His stats from last season showcase his impressive form within attacking areas - many of which saw him rank above potential soon-to-be £85m man Gakpo.
The German star ended the recent campaign with 16 combined goals and assists - a figure which was higher than that of the Dutchman in the Premier League.
His dominance over the 27-year-old within the final third was further evident in his 37% shot-on-target accuracy rate - which saw him place more of his efforts between the posts last term.
jamie-leweling-stuttgart
Away from his shooting ability, Leweling also managed to create more big chances per 90 for his teammates, which often saw him run the opposition ragged in 2025/26.
It subsequently allowed the Stuttgart man to achieve a higher dribble success rate too - which saw him be described as “phenomenal” by one data analyst.
Even out of possession, he dominated Gakpo, subsequently ranking in the top 15% for duels won last season - making him perfect for the manager’s high-intensity system.
It remains unclear how much a deal for the German will cost this summer, but he’s showcased that he’s more than capable of adding serious quality to Iraola’s attack.
Selling Gakpo and replacing him with the Stuttgart attacker would be an incredible deal for the club and one which could provide them with the quality they have been lacking.
Victor-Munoz-Liverpool-Forest