Having lost Hugo Ekitike to a serious injury which will see him miss a big chunk of next season, Liverpool are looking light up front.
Prior to Ekitike’s Achilles rupture, there had been claims that the Reds will look to play a 4-2-2-2 system next season, finally pairing the stricken Frenchman with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.
Ekitike’s injury could, of course, change this plan for Liverpool, but it does not have to. Though it may be difficult to find the right option to provide quality, short-term cover through the middle of the attack, a perfect option is beginning to emerge for Liverpool in legendary Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski.
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Florian Wirtz knee slides in celebration after scoring for Liverpool during their Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC
Lewandowski set to be available this summer
As Spanish journalist Guillem Balague confirmed on Sunday, Lewandowski is set to depart Barcelona as a free agent this summer.
Turning 38 in August and still commanding big wages, it is understandable why some supporters will roll their eyes at suggestions that the Pole could join Liverpool. On paper, he goes against everything FSG look for in the transfer market.
Nevertheless, as they look to wait out Ekitike’s issue, taking Lewandowski on a one-year deal could make a lot of sense.
Although not as lethal as his younger years, Lewandowski is still a good goal scorer having hit 17 times for Barca this season. As they assess the attackers market this summer, Liverpool are unlikely to bring in anyone who has scored more.
Robert Lewandowski pictured ahead of Barcelona's La Liga match against Villarreal
Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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But it is not necessarily just for his goal scoring which Lewandowski should interest the Reds, he could also provide some much-needed experience in a team which is lacking in it.
With Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah certain to leave, and Alisson continuing to be linked with a move away, Liverpool are losing far too many leaders within the dressing room. Lewandowski could remedy that while also providing a solution to a head-scratching personnel issue.
Lewandowski can bridge Liverpool’s superstar gap
As Jason McAteer pointed out this weekend, Liverpool are going to be losing a superstar when Salah leaves this summer.
While it is not a necessity that the club employs a player who is a global icon of the game, there is a spot there ready to be taken.
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Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes watching on during the Reds' Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones
Lewandowski could provide that, bridging the gap and taking the pressure off younger players like Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai, while giving them guidance and support along the way.
Having dominated in both Germany and Spain, surely Lewandowski himself would be open to trying the Premier League, and the timing could make Liverpool his ideal destination.
There are other alternatives for the Reds, of course, and fans would perhaps prefer to see them sign a versatile forward who could play both wide or through the middle.
But if Slot is keen to stick with the plan and play with two centre-forwards, then there would be nobody out there better to bring in than Lewandowski.
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