Three First Choice Centre-forwards Who Liverpool Can Target In January
Jurgen Klopp is set to be a busy man this January as he will be looking to add some more quality to his squad. Liverpool are one of the Premier League’s free scoring teams as they have scored 12 goals already in the league this season.
In the attacking trinity of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah, Liverpool are blessed with pace, flair, power and most importantly, goals. Phillipe Coutinho is also a trusted weapon capable of producing magical moments.
Liverpool have entertained Premier League fans with their attacking play, but questions remain over Klopp’s defence, where they have leaked 11 goals, with 5 conceded in their hammering at the hands of Manchester City. Liverpool’s defence still remains a big concern. However, it looks like Klopp is not resting on his laurels and wants to add more attackers, given the style his team plays.
While Daniel Sturridge’s fitness remains a concern, Divock Origi was deemed surplus to requirements this campaign and has headed to Wolfsburg for a season-long loan. This means the Merseyside side club will be short of centre-forwards if either of Sturridge or Firmino gets injured.
But who could Klopp turn to? Here are three centre-forwards who Liverpool could target in the January transfer window.
Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Inaki Williams, 23, was linked with a move to Anfield this summer. The forward made his Spain debut in 2017 after impressing for Athletic Bilbao by coming through their youth system.
With big clubs from Europe interested in signing him, Williams penned a new contract in January which saw his buyout clause of €50million. Given his quality at just 23 years of age, Liverpool won’t be hesitating to trigger his buyout clause.
Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan)
Mauro Icardi, 24, has always been linked with some big clubs and it was reported that Klopp could bring Icardi to Liverpool. The Argentine has had a tricky time at Inter but insisted that leaving the San Siro during the summer transfer window was never a part of the plan.
A Barcelona youth product, Icardi, was awarded Capocannoniere title, awarded to the top scorer in Serie A, in 2014-15 season.
The Argentine striker is quick, tactically intelligent, and is physically strong, with good attacking movement and positioning, with an eye for goal. Known for his ability to score from few touches, Icardi would be an ideal signing for Klopp’s Liverpool.
Dries Mertens (Napoli)
It was one of the most unique stories in football as Dries Mertens rose to prominence as a nippy winger during his late 20’s.
The Belgian had two decent seasons with Napoli and ever since manager Maurizio Sarri took over, Mertens, 30, has turned into a goal-scoring beast. Sarri gave Mertens a central role that has seen him become one of the most effective scorers in any of Europe’s top leagues.
At 30, the diminutive attacker might be on the wrong side but having signed a new contract at the end of last season, which also has a low buyout clause, Klopp can take the gamble. Given Mertens is enjoying his best years in Italy, a move looks highly unlikely in January though.