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Liverpool’s attacking crossroads as transfer noise grows

Credit must go to Anfield Watch for surfacing a discussion that refuses to go away, Liverpool’s attacking direction at a moment of real uncertainty. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case and now that Isak is out injured and Mohamed Salah’s future is still up in the air, rumours about what’s next for Liverpool’s attack have been rife. It reads like a line lifted from a transfer thriller, but it reflects the unease around Anfield as the new season narrative takes shape under Arne Slot.

Liverpool’s attack has looked well stocked on paper for years, yet timing matters in football. Injuries, form and futures rarely align neatly. With Salah’s situation unresolved and Isak sidelined, recruitment chatter feels inevitable rather than speculative.

Transfer market pressure builds quickly

Several players such as Antoine Semenyo have been linked with a potential Anfield switch but with clubs such as Manchester City and Chelsea now involved in the race, the likelihood of the Ghanaian making the move to Liverpool is becoming slimmer. Even though clubs will be able to activate his £65 million release clause for the first 10 days of the window, it’s still unclear where his future could lie.

Photo: IMAGO

This is where Liverpool’s strategy faces scrutiny. And, if the Reds are willing to fork out that amount of money for the attacker, then who’s to say that they won’t target someone else who has less eyes on them? It is a fair question, especially for a club long admired for zigging while others zag.

Rodrygo debate refuses to fade

Liverpool should throw everything they can into signing Rodrygo from Real Madrid. After Luis Diaz’s Liverpool exit was confirmed in the summer, rumours of Rodrygo making the move to Liverpool were constantly shared. Most fans, pundits and journalists thought that the Reds would sign a winger to replace the Colombian but in the end, they ended up sticking with Hugo Ekitike and Isak.

Photo IMAGO

Indeed, Wirtz and Ekitike can be used on the left if needed but, in reality, Liverpool would have been far better off if they signed a specialist winger to plug the gap. And, with Rodrygo’s lack of playing time in the Club World Cup a major talking point in the summer, links with Liverpool were laid bare. Talk of a potential moved died down towards the end of the window but, now that Isak is out injured and the Anfield outfit are in dire need of reinforcement, there’s no better player for Slot and Richard Hughes to target than the Brazilian.

Why fit matters more than familiarity

Rodrygo would be a better signing for Liverpool than Antoine Semenyo would be. Semenyo may have plenty of Premier League experience under his belt but that doesn’t mean he’s the best choice for Liverpool. He may also help the Reds with their homegrown quota but, when looking at the way both Rodrygo and Semenyo play, it’s clear that the Brazilian would be a much better fit.

Not only would his versatility allow him to play across the front three for Slot’s men but it would also allow him to become the best version of himself. At the moment, the attacker isn’t in Xabi Alonso’s plans at Real Madrid with Arda Guler taking up most of the time on the right-wing. On balance, it feels like a moment where Liverpool’s ambition could redefine their attack rather than merely patch it.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This report sparks excitement and concern in equal measure. From a supporter’s perspective, the idea of Rodrygo in red feels like a statement of intent, the kind that reminds rivals that Liverpool still think at the elite level. There is excitement in imagining his movement between the lines, his calm in big moments and his ability to stretch defences that currently crowd Salah.

At the same time, there is scepticism. Fans have seen windows drift before, seen sensible options pass while the market inflated around them. The thought of paying £65 million for a player who feels more like a compromise than a solution raises eyebrows. If Liverpool are spending that figure, many would rather it be on someone who elevates the team instantly.

There is also concern about timing. With Isak injured and uncertainty around Salah, delaying decisive action feels risky. Supporters want clarity, not just reassurances. Under Slot, there is hope that recruitment aligns more sharply with tactical needs, not just availability.

Ultimately, the mood is expectant. If Liverpool are brave, Rodrygo feels like a move that could energise the fanbase and the squad. If they hesitate, frustration will follow quickly. This feels like a fork in the road, and supporters are watching closely.