With Alexander Isak facing a lengthy absence, Liverpool have planned to strengthen their attacking options and already have two targets in mind.
This weekend, the curse continued for Alexander Isak. Struggling since his arrival at Liverpool, where he appears to have fallen behind Hugo Ekitike in the pecking order, the Swedish striker was injured against Tottenham (1-2) while scoring, just a quarter of an hour after coming on.
He was hurt in a challenge with Spurs defender Micky Van de Ven. The former Newcastle man writhed in pain and had to leave the pitch with the help of medical staff. The worst was quickly feared on Sunday. According to The Times and The Athletic, Alexander Isak has suffered a serious injury and a leg fracture is feared.
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Liverpool want to strengthen attack in January window
A lengthy absence for Liverpool's most expensive signing in history, with £125m invested, is therefore expected. The Reds, who were already considering reinforcing their attack, will accelerate their plan to sign an attacking player quickly in the January transfer window, according to The Athletic.
Indeed, Mohamed Salah is at AFCON with Egypt, while Cody Gakpo is also injured. This leaves Arne Slot with only Hugo Ekitike, Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha as out-and-out attackers in his squad. That is too few for the Reds and their ambitions.
Antoine Semenyo the Reds' priority
A first logical target has emerged as a priority for Liverpool: Antoine Semenyo. The Bournemouth forward is in fine form with eight goals and three assists in the Premier League this season. Capable of playing across the front line, although more comfortable on the right wing, the 25-year-old Ghanaian has all the makings of the ideal signing this winter for the Reds.
Time is of the essence in this matter, however, as Semenyo's release clause, worth £65m, expires on 10th January. The reigning English champions therefore have every interest in moving quickly on this deal, with Manchester City and United also pushing to sign the Ghanaian.
Liverpool do have a significant advantage in this pursuit, however: the player's preference. Antoine Semenyo favours the Reds, with the Sky Blues his second choice and Manchester United third. This signing now appears to be a priority for the English giants, who have another option on the table to strengthen their attacking options.
Harvey Elliott, an underwhelming Plan B?
TeamTalk report that Liverpool could also complete the return of Harvey Elliott, as his loan spell at Aston Villa has not gone to plan at all. The English attacking midfielder, who can also play on the right wing, has played just five matches for the Villans. They have absolutely no intention of triggering his £35m purchase option, which will become mandatory at the end of the season if he plays 10 matches during this campaign.
Liverpool and Aston Villa could therefore negotiate an early termination of the loan this winter, which appears to suit all parties on paper. The Elliott option to cover Isak's probable lengthy absence does not appear to be the Reds' preferred choice, as Slot was not won over by the Englishman last season.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
