Uruguayan international Darwin Nunez is struggling for position at centre-forward, where his role has been slightly changed by coach Arne Slott. His ability to get behind the defensive line is first class, but he lacks dexterity and is not as good at getting wingers and attacking midfielders involved and moving forward.
Portuguese international Diogo Jota has secured a starter’s place, while Colombian international Luis Diaz, who is originally a left winger, has been used up front more often since his injury lay-off, and is spending more and more time on the bench.
With interest from AC Milan also reported, Liverpool have started listing potential replacements. According to TEAMtalk, the Merseyside club are keen on Inter Milan forward Markus Thuram and Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak.
The French attacker, who moved to Italy last season following the expiry of his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach, has continued to lead the attack with 28 goals and 20 assists in 69 games for the club so far, a high decision rate.
A release clause of €85 million is also said to be in place, and the paper reports that Liverpool see the fee as an appropriate price tag.
One player who is likely to be more expensive is Swedish international Alexander Isak, who has been scoring for Newcastle. He has scored 48 goals in 87 games since joining from Real Sociedad and has proven in England that he can do a more decisive job than the former.
The 25-year-old forward has also attracted interest from Arsenal and other clubs, so the ceiling is blue. Liverpool would be an unrealistic target, as there is no way they would put their name forward in an overly intense battle.
More to the point, they rate the club’s England international Anthony Gordon highly and were close to acquiring him last summer.
Personally, €85 million is a lot of money for a 27-year-old forward, and I don’t think Liverpool will be able to come up with the money from their budget, but what do you think?