Liverpool manager Arne Slot revealed his one Christmas wish is for Alexander Isak to recover from his injury quickly, but the club’s owners are now eyeing a new signing to cover the Swede’s absence.
Liverpool’s attacking depth dwindling ahead of January
The Reds’ frontline has been the subject of much debate since their mass overhaul in the summer transfer window, with Cody Gakpo the subject of fan frustration, Mohamed Salah struggling for form and Isak unable to reach full fitness.
The former Newcastle star, who is Liverpool’s record signing, finally showed what he was capable of with his clinical finish against Tottenham, only to suffer an ankle injury which is set to keep him out for two to three months.
“The fact that we will not have Alexander Isak with us for a period is, of course, a major disappointment,” Slot said before Wolves.
“In the moment that Alex was injured, he showed the movement, the finishing and the overall quality that he can bring to our team so it is a big blow to be without him.
“If I am allowed a wish at Christmas, it would be that he recovers as well and as quickly as possible.
“In the meantime, we will have to manage without him and also the other players who are unavailable for one reason or another.”
Liverpool now discussing emergency loan deal for PSG star to cover Isak injury
Isak’s injury has sparked the Reds into action.
FSG however are not prepared to sit idly by and wait, with Liverpool’s owners set to dip into the market to reinforce the manager’s options in the winter transfer window.
Liverpool eyeing move for PSG star Bradley Barcola
Indeed, according to reports in Spain, Liverpool are one of three teams eyeing a move for PSG star Bradley Barcola.
The French giants are in a strong negotiating position with the player not agitating to leave, but Liverpool, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are all confident they can convince both the club and player to agree to a move in the new year.
Barcola’s emergence in the Champions League last year saw him hailed as “one of the best wingers in the world” by scout Ben Mattinson, as he scored and assisted in the same game on three separate occasions in the competition.
|
Top 15 wingers in the world |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rank |
Player |
Age |
Club |
Nation |
|
1 |
Lamine Yamal |
18 |
Barcelona |
Spain |
|
2 |
Ousmane Dembele |
28 |
PSG |
France |
|
3 |
Raphinha |
28 |
Barcelona |
Brazil |
|
4 |
Bukayo Saka |
24 |
Arsenal |
England |
|
5 |
Vinicius Junior |
25 |
Real Madrid |
Brazil |
|
6 |
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia |
24 |
PSG |
Georgia |
|
7 |
Michael Olise |
23 |
Bayern Munich |
France |
|
8 |
Jeremy Doku |
23 |
Man City |
Belgium |
|
9 |
Mohamed Salah |
33 |
Liverpool |
Egypt |
|
10 |
Desire Doue |
20 |
PSG |
France |
|
11 |
Bradley Barcola |
23 |
PSG |
France |
|
12 |
Nico Williams |
23 |
Athletic Club |
Spain |
|
13 |
Luis Diaz |
28 |
Bayern Munich |
Colombia |
|
14 |
Rodrygo |
24 |
Real Madrid |
Brazil |
|
15 |
Rafael Leao |
26 |
AC Milan |
Portugal |
However, the France international is down the pecking order somewhat in Paris due to the brilliance of youngster Desire Doue and Georgia star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Capable of playing anywhere across the front three, the 23 year-old has scored five times in just nine Ligue 1 starts this season, and would provide quality in multiple positions even once Isak returns.