Liverpool urged to sign out-of-contract Barcelona superstar by Premier League icon | OneFootball

Premier League icon Joe Cole has urged Liverpool to make a move for Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski.

With uncertainty surrounding both Liverpool’s attacking depth and Lewandowski’s long-term future in Spain, the situation is evolving into one to watch ahead of the summer window.

At the Anfield club, Hugo Ekitike has been ruled out for around nine months after suffering an Achilles tendon rupture. 

The injury leaves Liverpool short in attack, with Alexander Isak currently the only reliable senior option available.

Liverpool’s need for attacking reinforcement

As a result, former England international Joe Cole weighed in on the situation, stressing the urgency for reinforcements and the difficulty of finding the right profile. 

Speaking about Liverpool’s needs under Arne Slot, he said, “If Slot stays in the job, he needs to sign another striker. 

“We need a backup who can step up, especially if Liverpool qualifies for the Champions League. It won’t be easy to find him,” he began.

Cole then expanded on the type of player Liverpool should target.

“Maybe they need an experienced striker, or perhaps someone at the other end of the spectrum, because you can’t sign someone who plays at the highest level to compete with Isak and, ultimately, with Ekitike.”

Lewandowski’s mention

Lewandowski’s contract expires in June. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

It is here that Lewandowski enters the conversation. 

Despite being 37, the Polish striker continues to deliver at the highest level and remains one of Barcelona’s most reliable goal sources this season. 

However, with his contract at Spotify Camp Nou nearing its expiry in June and doubts growing over his continuity, a departure cannot be ruled out.

Cole believes Lewandowski could be the ideal short-term solution, adding,

“Someone like Robert Lewandowski, who is 37, for example. 

“He might be drawn to the challenge and also the fact that he still considers himself better than Isak and believes he can make the team. He could easily play 30 games.”

At the same time, Cole did not dismiss the alternative route of investing in youth, acknowledging the risks involved,

“It’s an option – either you spend a lot of money on a talented 17- or 18-year-old, but you’re still taking a risk because you don’t know if he’ll perform as Isak’s backup. 

“Either way, it’s a difficult decision for Liverpool, but they’ll have to sign someone,” Cole concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo