By Abhijan Barua

Liverpool's form recovery during the Christmas period remains precarious due to the shortage of attacking options beyond Hugo Ekitike, with Swedish striker  Alexander Isak out injured and Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah away on international duty.

Doubts over the Anfield future of the ‘Egyptian King’ even when he returns next month after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and Isak’s injury during the win over Tottenham mean Arne Slot has few options upfront.

Dutchman Cody Gakpo returned to action from the bench against Saturday’s 2-1 home win against Wolverhampton Wanderers but may require some more minutes on the pitch to regain his sharpness.

Credit: The Empire of The Kop

The Potential Targets

Questions therefore have flown around over January signings to bolster the Reds’ attack, especially over Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo who is also a target for other big 6 sides like Manchester City and Arsenal.

The back-and-forth continues over the Ghanaian international’s future. Multiple reports have indicated his interest in moving to The Etihad – supposedly shutting the door on him joining the English champions.

Credit: Liverpool Echo

At the same time, Football Insider has reported Liverpool remain interested and have approached the Cherries with an offer triggering a release clause in his contract.

Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi is a free agent now since his recent departure from AC Milan, and has been loosely suggested as a reinforcement (at least in the short-term). These are however, speculative and mostly reflect the sentiments of certain Reds faithful hoping to see the return of a player who left Anfield as a cult figure.

French side Lille’s 20-year-old winger Matias Fernendez-Pardo is also said to be on Liverpool’s
radar, with their scouts still monitoring him since he broke through at Gent in 2023/24.

Credit: Liverpool FC

Liverpool do have options within their own academy to promote to the first team.

Jayden Danns is a possible future frontman with Ekitike, Chiesa, Isak (once recovered) and/or Mo Salah(?) - depending on the Egyptian’s Anfield future post-Afcon and beyond.