Four transfer consequences of Isak’s injury as Liverpool forced into Salah, Semenyo decisions | OneFootball

Just as Liverpool were enjoying a breakthrough moment for record signing Alexander Isak, things came crashing down as it became clear he got injured when scoring against Tottenham Hotspur.

And the fears are it isn’t a minor injury, but a suspected leg break that could put him on the sidelines for a few months, immediately resetting the predominant mood since his summer move to one of frustration.

Isak just hasn’t been able to get going for Liverpool since joining from Newcastle United in a British record fee of £130m (€150m, $175m), with the other striker they signed earlier in the summer, Hugo Ekitike, outperforming him so far.

Thanks to Ekitike’s form, Liverpool might not need to worry too much about directly replacing Isak while he’s absent, but it’s definitely a development that could have an impact on their transfer plans ahead of the January transfer window. So what might the fall-out be…?

Salah to stay

Regardless of Isak’s injury, Liverpool have already been facing a major decision over the future of Mohamed Salah.

Salah hasn’t been best pleased with his drop in gametime recently and hasn’t made it a secret, which has led to plenty of speculation over his future.

With his suitors in the Saudi Pro League always waiting to pounce, Salah’s entourage have been exploring ways to get out of Liverpool – but the Reds simply can’t let that happen.

Before going to the Africa Cup of Nations, Salah was reintegrated by Arne Slot against Brighton. Once he returns from his duties with Egypt, Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer of all time should be back in the picture.

With one player who should be among their main goalscorers now at risk of missing an important chunk of the season, Liverpool cannot afford to sign off on the departure of another – and, as sources have confirmed, his representatives already suspect that.

Bringing Salah back into the fold for the rest of the season and hoping he can rediscover his peak form would be the most sensible course of action for Liverpool.

Semenyo acceleration

Again, one of the players most heavily linked with Liverpool before Isak suffered his injury has been Bournemouth forward, Antoine Semenyo.

Adding his goalscoring potential into the mix could provide Liverpool with a timely boost. Semenyo’s release clause is only active in early January, so the timings could align perfectly.

Semenyo can play anywhere across the attack, but would slot in most comfortably on the left wing, where he might be an upgrade on Cody Gakpo. Alternatively, he could rotate with Salah on the right wing.

However, sources have played down the idea of Liverpool being ready to push ahead for Semenyo, which could lead to other clubs swooping in if they’re not careful.

Striker signing

As stated, Liverpool will have no concerns whatsoever about Ekitike starting in the centre-forward role while Isak is absent.

But they may have to consider bringing in someone to rotate with the French talent if Isak’s injury could leave him as their only natural, senior centre-forward for the foreseeable future.

If they are backing Ekitike to continue delivering and for Isak to get back to his best in the long term, Liverpool would have to focus on short-term options to replenish their frontline, perhaps via a loan deal.

Alternatively, they could look for a younger prospect for the future who wouldn’t come in with immediate expectations of dislodging Ekitike but could become more valuable in time.

One attacker they have been linked with, for example, is Midtjylland prospect, Franculino Dju.

Chiesa departure blocked

Along with Salah, another forward Liverpool might be inclined to keep now is Federico Chiesa.

The former Juventus winger hasn’t earned Arne Slot’s complete trust since his 2024 move, so could earn more opportunities by leaving in January.

However, Chiesa seems happy enough to fight for his place – and that’s exactly what Liverpool will need him to do now, especially given how he has sometimes operated in a more central role recently.

The Italian will be hoping to finally break through into Slot’s plans over the next couple of months, which should be achievable with Cody Gakpo out too.