Five forwards on Liverpool’s radar ahead of summer transfer window – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Transfer Plans Shift After Ekitike Blow

Liverpool’s summer planning has taken a sharp and unexpected turn, with fresh developments emerging after the devastating injury to Hugo Ekitike. As first reported by Graeme Bailey for TeamTalk, the club now faces a major rethink in how they approach the transfer window.

Ekitike, described as “one of Liverpool’s standout performers” since his £79million-plus arrival, has suffered a ruptured Achilles that will sideline him for around nine months. The report notes he was “stretchered off against former club Paris Saint-Germain” and will not play again in 2026. That absence leaves a sizeable void in the attacking structure built by Arne Slot.

There is a clear sense internally that plans must evolve quickly. Liverpool were already preparing for life after Mohamed Salah, but the scale of the rebuild has now increased significantly.

Attacking Depth Now Top Priority

The original focus had been on strengthening wide areas, particularly on the right flank. Names like Yan Diomande and Francisco Conceicao had been “identified as leading options,” with long-standing interest in emerging talent across Europe.

However, the situation has shifted. As Bailey reports, “Ekitike’s injury has now accelerated plans to bring in an additional forward too.” That adjustment reflects both necessity and opportunity, with Liverpool now targeting at least two attacking reinforcements.

The emphasis is no longer just on replacing outgoing quality, it is about restoring depth and resilience. Squad fragility has been exposed, and recruitment must address that.

Anthony Gordon Back in Focus

One of the most intriguing elements of this reshaped strategy is the renewed interest in Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United. Bailey notes that Gordon “has impressed with his versatility across the front line this season and is once again being seriously considered by Liverpool.”

Photo: IMAGO

There is added context here. The player “has long made no secret of his desire to play at Anfield,” which could prove decisive if competition intensifies. Both Bayern Munich and Arsenal are reportedly monitoring the situation.

Liverpool’s interest feels logical. Gordon offers pace, flexibility and Premier League experience, qualities that align with Slot’s evolving system.

Wider Transfer Options Under Consideration

Beyond Gordon, the recruitment net remains wide. Iliman Ndiaye is still admired, though any move from Everton would be “hugely problematic.” Other names mentioned include Jarrod Bowen, Harry Wilson and Bazoumana Toure.

This reflects a recruitment strategy that is both reactive and opportunistic. Liverpool are not limiting themselves to one profile, instead exploring multiple avenues to rebuild their attacking unit.

Photo: IMAGO

Bailey’s report makes it clear that “Liverpool’s recruitment plans were already evolving, but Ekitike’s injury has ensured that their summer strategy will now be built around reinforcing their frontline more heavily than initially anticipated.”

That line captures the essence of the situation. Plans have not been abandoned, but they have been accelerated and expanded.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a supporter’s perspective, this report raises more concerns than reassurance. Yes, Liverpool are acting decisively, but the need for such a rethink highlights deeper issues within the squad build.

Ekitike’s injury is undeniably cruel, yet it also exposes how reliant the side had become on individual contributions. After spending £450m last summer and winning the Premier League under Arne Slot in his debut season, expectations were sky high. Instead, this campaign has unravelled, with Liverpool sitting 5th and out of all competitions.

There is a growing fear that recruitment has lacked balance. Chasing multiple forwards now feels reactive rather than strategic. Fans might ask why greater depth was not secured earlier, especially given the known uncertainty around Mohamed Salah.

The links to Anthony Gordon are encouraging in isolation, but relying on players who are also targets for rivals adds another layer of risk. Missing out could leave Liverpool scrambling late in the window.

There is still time to correct course, but execution will be everything. This summer feels defining for Slot’s project, not just in terms of signings, but in restoring belief among a fanbase that expected far more stability after last season’s triumph.