David Ornstein provides update on Liverpool’s interest in Antoine Semenyo | OneFootball

Liverpool assess attacking options as Isak injury reshapes January thinking

Liverpool are facing a significant period of internal discussion after confirmation that Alexander Isak is expected to spend several months sidelined with a lower-leg fracture sustained against Tottenham. While the club await final medical clarity, the early prognosis has already forced senior figures to reassess short-term squad coverage and longer-term recruitment priorities.

Isak’s injury comes at a delicate stage of the season. Liverpool are entering a congested winter schedule with limited margin for disruption in attacking areas, and the Swede’s absence removes their only established central striker option at senior level. Despite immediate concern externally, sources indicate there is no panic inside the club’s recruitment department.

Impact of Isak injury on Liverpool plans

Isak had quickly become central to Liverpool’s attacking structure, offering a blend of movement, physical presence and finishing that underpinned recent performances. His withdrawal midway through the win at Spurs was an early signal that the issue could be serious, even before medical checks confirmed fears of a fracture.

While the recovery timeline is still being refined, expectations internally are that Isak will miss a substantial portion of the season. That reality has led to renewed debate over whether Liverpool should act in January or manage the situation using existing personnel.

Liverpool’s preference, as has been the case in recent windows, is to avoid reactive deals. The club’s leadership remain committed to only pursuing players who align with long-term tactical and financial planning, rather than short-term fixes driven by circumstance.

Semenyo interest cooled despite speculation

One name that has circulated widely in recent days is Semenyo, who has been linked with Liverpool amid suggestions his release clause could make a January move achievable. However, industry sources suggest Liverpool are not currently at the forefront of the race for the Bournemouth forward.

While there is admiration for Semenyo’s physical profile, work rate and Premier League adaptation, there has been no indication that Liverpool have accelerated discussions or moved towards formal negotiations. Other clubs are understood to be more advanced in their interest, with Manchester City and Manchester United both monitoring the situation closely.

Liverpool’s stance appears consistent with their broader recruitment philosophy. Unless the Isak injury prompts a dramatic change in approach, Semenyo is not viewed as a priority target at this stage of the window.

Internal solutions under consideration

In the absence of immediate external movement, Liverpool are exploring internal options to navigate the festive period. Several attackers are expected to return from minor issues in the coming weeks, while tactical adjustments remain on the table to reduce reliance on a traditional number nine.

There is also recognition that January markets are rarely straightforward for elite-level forwards. Availability, pricing and squad integration challenges all factor heavily into decision-making, particularly when the club does not view the current season as one requiring desperate intervention.

Recruitment staff continue to gather intelligence on a range of profiles, including younger forwards and more conventional strikers, but any move would need full alignment across sporting and executive leadership.

January window strategy remains measured

Despite heightened noise around Semenyo and the understandable concern following Isak’s injury, Liverpool’s overarching strategy remains unchanged. The club are prepared to wait rather than compromise, even if that means navigating short-term discomfort.

There is acknowledgement internally that the squad is light in attack, but equally a belief that clarity over Isak’s recovery and squad availability will inform next steps. Should the right opportunity arise, Liverpool will be ready to act. If not, they are comfortable standing firm.

For now, the message from inside the club is calm rather than reactive. Isak’s absence is a blow, but it will not dictate a move for the sake of optics. Liverpool will move when it makes sense, not simply because circumstances demand it.