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If 2019/20 was a memorable season for Liverpool FC, 2020/21 has been nothing less than a forgettable nightmare for the English champions. Injuries and the resulting lack of bench strength have caused considerable damage to Liverpool’s title defense. Interestingly, while Liverpool hasn’t conceded much despite their centre-back crisis, it is the lack of goals that has hurt the team.
Due to this, rumour mills have already linked Liverpool to goal machines like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. While both of these names are dream signings for any club, they may simply be too heavy on FSG’s pocket. That said, it is a no-brainer that Liverpool will be diving into the transfer market in search of a striker suitable to their playing style.
While summer signings are anyone’s guesses, here’s a list of 5 strikers who could add a breath of fresh air and a pair of scoring boots to the Liverpool dressing room next season.
Lautaro Martinez: Liverpool target
Last season, Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez became the talk of the town due to his goal scoring flair. His partner Romelu Lukaku is enjoying all the attention but Lautaro has quietly enjoyed a good return again.
Martinez has quietly surpassed his last season’s figure and is hungry for more. He is much more direct in his game than Firmino and Mane and has the pace to complement the wingers on a counter attack.
His style of play has shades of Luis Suarez, who still has an ardent fan club among the Liverpool loyals. Whether Liverpool will try to lure the Argentine to Anfield is a different thing, but if they can dream of signing Mbappe and Haaland, they can surely afford Inter Milan’s asking price for Lautaro Martinez.
They are likely to face stiff competition from Barcelona, who are planning for life beyond Lionel Messi and Manchester City, who are looking for Sergio Aguero's replacement.
Donyell Malen: Liverpool target
Liverpool fans might already know about him already. A name familiar to Arsenal fans, Donyell Malen, currently plying his trade at PSV, is gradually rising to prominence. With 20 goals and 6 assists in 34 games spanning across all competitions, Donyell straight away ticks the ’20 – goals – a – season – striker’ category.
He can also play on either flank as and when needed and carries a handsome 48% success rate in dribbling. Interestingly, he has registered better numbers basis per 90 minutes this season than most Liverpool regulars. His stocky figure would certainly add valuable muscle to the attacking front to thwart any resistance from opposing defenders.
He often drops in to support the midfielders, something Firmino has been doing much to Klopp’s likening. His physical presence could become a differential factor while facing low blocking teams.
However, Donyell Malen's agent is Mino Raiola, who doesn't flaunt a favorable reputation in the Premier League fraternity and could be a difficult person to negotiate with.
Tammy Abraham: Liverpool target
Another name familiar to Liverpool fans is Tammy Abraham. Though still 23, it seems like Tammy Abraham has been in the Premier League forever. He was one of the most exciting performers under Frank Lampard in the 2019/20 season, netting 15 goals. But after the arrival of Timo Werner, Tammy was more often than not sidelined by Lampard.
Senior striker Olivier Giroud chipping in with vital goals coupled with Abraham's underwhelming performance didn't help Tammy's case either. Now under Thomas Tuchel, Tammy’s game time has been even more limited with Werner, Giroud and Kai Havertz being preferred over him.
Another season of irregular opportunities could hold back Tammy's career. With FIFA World Cup on the horizon, missing out on the biggest football showdown wouldn't look good on the youngster's CV.
Keeping aside his form and chances this season, he has shown good pressing attributes upfront that Jurgen Klopp can exploit for his Liverpool side. With rumors going around that Chelsea may sign Erling Haaland, it could push Abraham further down the pecking order. In such a case, it would only be wise for the talented striker to look for greener pastures.
Darwin Nunez: Liverpool target
This is a striker that could potentially give Liverpool a new dimension. The 21-year-old Benfica striker from Uruguay is a beautiful blend of physically old school strikers with modern characteristics. The 6’1” tall frame and hefty build gives him a daunting presence in front of goal.
Playing in a side that focuses heavily on its defensive performance, Darwin Nunez has shown a tremendous work rate and has been the protagonist of many counter-attacks Benfica have triggered and benefitted from.
Nunez makes the most of his blitz strides and like a true goal poacher, he makes sure he is at the finishing end of the move as well. His dribbling, pace and work-rate are undoubtedly the best assets of his game and coupled with quick decision making, he has the ability to split defenses with his through balls and crosses.
Darwin Nunez has traits of Edinson Cavani’s style to his game. If he can improve on his offside awareness, the young Uruguayan can add to his 21 G/A tally before the season ends. Darwin Nunez promises to be one of the superstars in the making with a cheaper price tag and ticks all the boxes of Liverpool’s signing strategy, both on and off the field.
Marcus Thuram: Liverpool target
Perhaps the unlikeliest of the names to be associated with Liverpool FC currently. Marcus, son of French legend Lilian Thuram, was the talk of the Bundesliga last season thanks to his impressive displays up front for Borussia Monchengladbach.
And while his form has deserted him this season, there are no questions raised over his ability. Marcus boasts a superior all round game than others mentioned in this list. Not only can he play up front but is capable of playing on the left wing as well, a position where Klopp tried to fit Origi and failed.
His link-up play with fellow forwards and midfield is noteworthy and he is commanding aerially as well. Marcus Thuram loves to defend and press up front, something Jurgen Klopp expects his striker to do.
Having played under Marco Rose, who has implemented a similar playing structure to Liverpool, it wouldn’t be much of a hassle for the 23-year-old French attacker to adapt to the Liverpool style of play. Also, with the manager's seat of Borussia Monchengladbach still vacant, it could be the right time to lure the striker from Borussia Park to Anfield.
