Liverpool’s Attacker Shortlist: Journalist on Malick Fofana, Anthony Gordon and More | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Evolving Attack: Smart Moves Over Star Names

Liverpool are not standing still in the transfer market. With Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz already through the door and Milos Kerkez reportedly next, the new-look Reds under Arne Slot are being built to compete with tactical flexibility in mind. David Lynch, speaking on Anfield Index’s podcast with Dave Davis, believes this summer could define how Liverpool evolve beyond the familiar 4-3-3 setup of the Klopp era.

“I’ve been saying on this podcast for a while that they will want to manage turnover,” Lynch noted, “but then with every rumour that comes out and everything you hear is that there is a lot in these links.”

Slot’s Premier League-winning side wasn’t short on goals, but the uncertainty around Darwin Nunez’s future has placed attacking reinforcements at the heart of the club’s strategy. According to Lynch, the recruitment is less about making marquee signings and more about creating a front line capable of interchange, adaptability and constant rotation.

Fofana and the Chiesa Conundrum

One name on the rumour mill is Lyon’s Malick Fofana. While young and undoubtedly talented, the winger’s potential arrival has drawn questions regarding role and readiness. As Lynch pointed out, “The talk over Fofana coming in as a Chiesa replacement, who is going to want to do that? 300 minutes across the season and barely any Premier League appearances?”

Liverpool’s decision to pass on renewing Chiesa’s stay points to a bigger shift. Slot and the recruitment team seem content to build depth through emerging or multi-role players rather than chase like-for-like replacements. Fofana, still raw at 20, may appeal more as a long-term investment than an immediate starter.

Photo: IMAGO

This approach signals a maturity in Liverpool’s planning, resisting the urge to buy reputation and instead focusing on developing players who fit Slot’s dynamic blueprint.

Questions Around Six-Forward Setup

Despite widespread talk of a big-name striker, Lynch remains unconvinced Liverpool will flood the attack with six forwards unless sales happen. “Are they really going to go into next season with six forwards, I’m not too sure,” he said. The club are tracking Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, yet nothing appears imminent.

“It’s really interesting to see what their approach is if they can’t get Isak,” Lynch added. That comment may prove to be a key indicator of where Liverpool draw the line financially. A move for Isak would likely top £120 million, a significant outlay when the club have already spent over £180 million this summer.

Photo: IMAGO

Anthony Gordon was mentioned as a name that could return to discussions. “Perhaps someone like Anthony Gordon comes back into it as a versatile option to play across the front-three,” said Lynch. His pace and energy, coupled with his ability to function on either flank or centrally, would make him a Slot-style signing if Newcastle’s financial pressures lead to a surprise sale.

Frimpong’s Role in Slot’s System

While Frimpong arrived as a right-back from Bayer Leverkusen, his attacking instincts and previous experience playing in more advanced roles haven’t gone unnoticed. “It’s already been said that Liverpool were adamant that this is a position that Jeremie Frimpong can play and he could be an option behind Mohamed Salah on the right-wing,” Lynch confirmed.

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This sort of tactical flexibility is becoming a hallmark of Liverpool’s recruitment. In Frimpong, they get not only a high-octane wing-back but also cover for Salah, who enters the final year of his deal. Slot’s fondness for attacking wing-backs at Feyenoord aligns well with Frimpong’s strengths, suggesting the Dutchman may not simply be a right-back understudy, but a winger in disguise.