Liverpool are in the process of reshaping their attack as they aim to retain the Premier League title.
The Reds had one of the most fearsome forward lines in all of Europe last year, boasting six top quality attackers.
Following the tragedy of Diogo Jota’s untimely death, and the sale of Luis Diaz, things are already looking very different at Liverpool.
Darwin Nunez is expected to be sold as well, while it would be a surprise if Federico Chiesa stayed with the Reds for another season.
Liverpool have brought in Hugo Ekitike and are also planning to add Alexander Isak to the mix for a British record transfer fee.
However, there is a real chance Liverpool miss out on Isak, with his addition largely dependent on Newcastle finding a replacement. So, if the Reds do not sign the big Swede, what is their plan B?
Alexander Isak smiles as he arrives at St James Park ahead of Newcastle United's Premier League match against Chelsea.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Liverpool unlikely to sign attacker other than Alexander Isak
Over the past couple of weeks it has become clear that Isak is the player Liverpool really want this summer.
However, for that to happen, they need Newcastle to sign Benjamin Sesko. Sesko is said to be ’50/50′ over joining the Magpies, with Manchester United also in the conversation.
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If the Slovenian chooses to sign for Liverpool’s biggest rivals, then it is likely to scupper any chance they have of bringing Isak to Anfield.
Should that be the way the cards fall, The Athletic report that Arne Slot is unlikely to go after another attacking signing.
Names Positions
Mohamed Salah Right wing
Hugo Ekitike Central striker/left wing
Cody Gakpo Left wing
Florian Wirtz Attacking midfield/false nine/left wing
Jeremie Frimpong Right/left wing
Rio Ngumoha Left wing
Liverpool’s likely attacking options without Alexander Isak
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Instead, it’s claimed that Florian Wirtz will be seen as part of the forward line, with fellow new signing Jeremie Frimpong also able to bolster the numbers.
Liverpool are said to be keen to provide a pathway for 16-year-old starlet Rio Ngumoha as well, meaning that even if Nunez and Chiesa head for the exit, Slot is more than likely to stick with what he has.
Would Liverpool return for Isak?
Although the Liverpool squad will still be packed with quality in the front line, going down this route would still leave only Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike as recognised forwards.
Wirtz is a quality player and can fill in where needed, but after paying so much for the German, you want to play him in his best position.
Frimpong and Ngumoha are good options as well – and perhaps Ben Doak would then stay – but it still feels like a gamble from Slot.
However, Liverpool have shown that they will wait for top targets in the past. And not pivoting away from Isak to a lesser striker would leave a space open for Isak to fill in the future.
With Newcastle scrambling during the last month of the window, maybe Liverpool will see the benefit in keeping things as they are and coming back in for the Sweden international either in January or next summer.