Liverpool could turn to young forward after Alexander Isak blow | OneFootball

Isak Injury Opens Pathway for Josh Sonni-Lambie at Liverpool

Liverpool’s season has taken another sharp turn following an injury setback to Isak, an issue that has disrupted momentum at a delicate stage of the campaign. While the full extent of the injury is still being assessed internally, there is an acceptance behind the scenes that his absence could be more than short-term. For the club, that reality has accelerated conversations around internal solutions rather than immediate market reactions.

One name now firmly in focus is Josh Sonni-Lambie. Highly rated within the academy structure and closely monitored by senior staff, the 17-year-old forward is increasingly viewed as the standout attacking option capable of bridging the gap between youth football and first-team exposure.

Isak Injury Changes Squad Calculations

Injuries to senior forwards inevitably alter short-term planning. In this case, the Isak injury has removed a key rotation option and forced Liverpool to reassess depth in attacking areas. While patience remains the long-term approach with Isak, the immediate need is for energy, movement and tactical flexibility in training and matchday squads.

Liverpool’s recruitment department and coaching staff are aligned on one principle: short-term disruption does not automatically require external fixes. Instead, the club’s academy pipeline is expected to provide solutions when the opportunity arises. Historically, injuries have often acted as the catalyst for breakthroughs, and this situation is being viewed through that same lens.

Sonni-Lambie’s name has therefore moved from internal discussion to practical consideration.

Josh Sonni-Lambie Profile Impresses Internally

Josh Sonni-Lambie’s numbers this season underline why he is attracting attention. Across Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 football, he has registered 18 goal contributions in 22 appearances, a return that places him among the most productive attackers in the system.

However, Liverpool’s interest goes beyond output. Sonni-Lambie is regarded as a modern forward who thrives on involvement rather than isolation. He drops into pockets, links play efficiently, presses aggressively from the front and consistently looks to engage defenders in one-v-one situations.

Coaches value his tactical intelligence and physical intensity, traits that align with the demands of senior football. His willingness to take risks in possession, combined with a strong work ethic out of possession, has made him a popular figure within the academy staff.

Sonni-Lambie Compared to Modern Forwards

Internally, comparisons are often drawn with contemporary forwards who blur traditional positional lines. Sonni-Lambie does not operate solely as a penalty-box striker. Instead, he contributes to build-up play, creates space for others and thrives when the tempo increases.

That adaptability is particularly important in the context of the Isak injury. Rather than attempting a like-for-like replacement, Liverpool are exploring whether Sonni-Lambie’s versatility could offer something different to the attacking structure. His movement between lines and pressing intensity provide tactical options that can be tailored to specific opponents.

Crucially, he has shown a confidence that is difficult to coach. Flair, creativity and the willingness to attempt the unexpected have been recurring themes throughout his youth appearances.

First-Team Opportunity Comes at the Right Time

Timing is often decisive in football development. The Isak injury has arrived at a point when Sonni-Lambie is physically and mentally closer to first-team demands than ever before. Those around the player believe his readiness is no longer theoretical.

While there is no expectation of immediate prominence, involvement in senior matchday squads, training exposure and potential minutes are now realistic outcomes. Liverpool’s approach remains measured, but the door is open.

The club has long believed that opportunities should be earned, not gifted. Sonni-Lambie’s consistency, performance levels and attitude have ensured that when the Isak injury reshaped the landscape, his name was already written into the conversation.

Whether this moment becomes a permanent step or a valuable learning phase will depend on what follows. What is clear is that Liverpool view Josh Sonni-Lambie not as a contingency, but as a genuine prospect whose pathway has arrived sooner than expected.