Liverpool considering move for Premier League forward after Alexander Isak blow | OneFootball

Injury cloud hangs over Liverpool’s January plans

Liverpool’s season, so carefully constructed at vast expense, suddenly feels fragile. As reported by The Telegraph, fears that Alexander Isak has suffered a significant injury could force the Premier League champions back into the January transfer market, despite a £350m summer splurge on attacking talent.

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The £130m striker was injured while scoring in the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, a moment that should have been celebratory but instead left Liverpool holding its breath. Liverpool are understood to be concerned ahead of the results of an MRI scan, with the prospect of a lengthy absence looming over Arne Slot’s plans.

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Slot faces mounting forward dilemma

Isak’s latest setback compounds what has already been a difficult settling-in period. His debut season has been disrupted, this only his second goal, and another enforced absence would significantly worsen a headache for Slot over his forward line. Mohamed Salah’s future is uncertain beyond his departure to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations, while Cody Gakpo is missing short-term with a muscle injury.

Slot was candid after the game. “Not a good thing,” he admitted. “If a player doesn’t even try to come back, that is usually not a good thing, but I cannot say anything more than that. That is just gut feeling and nothing medical… let’s not be too negative yet. We don’t know yet. Let’s hope he is back with us soon.”

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Transfer market calculations resurface

Liverpool had already been poised to dip into the transfer market prior to Isak’s injury. They have been actively pursuing Antoine Semenyo for months, although Manchester United and Manchester City are said to be increasingly well-placed to secure Bournemouth’s winger. Should Isak’s injury prove serious, Liverpool may pivot to other options, using cash that was available to trigger Semenyo’s exit clause.

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The club, however, are unwilling to speculate until medical tests are complete, a reminder that even the richest squads can be vulnerable to bad timing and worse luck.

Brutal afternoon in North London

The incident itself was unsettling. Isak had been on the pitch for only 11 minutes after coming on at half-time when Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven slid across and caught his shooting leg as it was planted. Isak left the pitch in considerable distress after lengthy treatment from Chris Morgan and Jonathan Power. Van de Ven escaped a booking, while referee John Brooks sent off Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero.

Since arriving from Newcastle United, Isak has already missed nearly a month with a groin injury. Liverpool’s concerns are deepened by injuries to Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni, plus Dominik Szoboszlai’s suspension for the Wolves match.

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The excitement of a £350m summer rebuild was built on depth and resilience, yet within months the squad already feels stretched. Isak’s injury fear is particularly alarming, not only because of his price tag, but because Liverpool structured their attack around the idea that he would lead it.

There is sympathy for Slot, who inherited a squad in transition and now faces questions that feel premature. Fans will point out that injuries are part of football, but there is unease about how quickly the margin for error has narrowed. Salah’s Africa Cup of Nations absence was always coming, Gakpo’s muscle issue is inconvenient, and suddenly the attack looks thin rather than lavish.

The January market brings mixed emotions. Supporters want ambition, but also fear panic buying. Liverpool’s strength has traditionally been clarity of recruitment, not reactive spending. A move only makes sense if it aligns with the long-term plan, not simply to plug a short-term hole.

There is also frustration at the sheer bad luck of the Tottenham incident. Seeing Isak helped off after finally finding the net felt cruel. For now, fans cling to Slot’s words, “let’s hope he is back with us soon,” because anything else risks turning a season of promise into one defined by what might have been.