Darwin Núñez 2024-25
© IMAGO - Darwin Núñez 2024-25
Liverpool’s need to upgrade their centre-forward position has been established throughout the season.
Tuesday’s failure against PSG wasn’t exactly down to the centre-forward play specifically, but Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez may as well have not been on the pitch as Liverpool looked for outlet balls to alleviate the constant pressure from the French side.
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Nunez’s limp penalty in the shootout summed up the season he’s had and won’t have eased Arne Slot’s obvious frustrations with him throughout the season.
As a result, rumours have been flying around about the potential replacements that could be starting up top for Liverpool next season.
And according to Graeme Bailey of Rousing the Kop, there is a four-man shortlist waiting in the wings for Liverpool to take a run at.
READ MORE: €65m midfielder confirms he'll be Liverpool's next signing
Which striker will Liverpool sign?
The report states that Newcastle’s Alexander Isak is the real high profile target, which has been well established over the past few weeks.
But Liverpool are also eyeing Brighton’s Joao Pedro, Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Anfield Watch have previously exclusively reported on how Pedro could fit in at Liverpool, understanding that rumour to be well substantiated.
On Delap, Anfield Watch also exclusively revealed that Liverpool attempted to sign him when he was a youth player at Manchester City, but missed out on that opportunity. Delap is regarded as one of the most exciting talents in English football at the moment, scoring 10 goals and counting in his first full season of Premier League football for relegation-bound Ipswich.
"It's like he's been playing in the Premier League for years!" ⭐
Darren Bent on Ipswich's star man Liam Delap this season 🗣 pic.twitter.com/gbU0frSnwn
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 19, 2025
Sesko is also an exciting possibility, presenting a big, strong, physical presence that would almost certainly demand a lower price due to the lack of Premier League tax - although Delap’s price would drop if Ipswich were to be relegated too.
It is interesting that Liverpool clearly are valuing physicality up front as they look to develop their squad. Pedro, Delap and Sesko all have demonstrated their ability to compete with centre-backs at the top level, as has Marcus Thuram, another attacker Liverpool have had their eyes on.
READ MORE: PSG defeat sealed the FATE of Liverpool attackers
This falls by the wayside for a player with the talent level of Isak, however, who falls into the ‘you’ve got to sign him!’ category if the opportunity presented itself.
Don’t rule out multiple players at the position should Liverpool find the right deal too.
READ MORE: Why João Pedro is favoured over Alexander Isak