There isn’t any denying that Liverpool boasts one of the most talented forward lines in European football when they have their fully fit squad to select from. Mohamed Salah is already renowned as one of the star players in the global game, while Sadio Mane is looking back at the level he was when the Reds ended their 30-year wait for an English title.
However, the performances of those below their two stars mean that there is still a difference in quality coming off the bench compared to City. Just like NFL stats are used to bring in high-quality players in American Football, Liverpool will be using their scouting network to help identity forwards that could boost their attacking outlet in the summer.
But, which players could be high on the list of targets?
Luis Diaz
Liverpool has been linked with a move for FC Porto striker Luis Diaz since the end of the summer window in 2021. A move looks likely to happen this summer, as the 25-year-old looks set to embrace a new challenge after winning the Primeira Liga and Taca de Portugal during his time with the Portuguese giants.
Diaz is enjoying another excellent year with Porto this season, as he has scored 14 goals in 24 games.
He looks like a perfect player for the Reds as he can play in any position across the forward line. The Colombian international has averaged 3.5 shots per game in the league this season and has already registered four assists.
He could offer Jurgen Klopp another exciting option, as Salah, Mane, and Diaz could rotate to give opposing defenses issues.
Jonathan David
Liverpool has never had a Canadian within their squad, but that could change should fans get their way. Jonathan David was linked with a move to Anfield before Diogo Jota arrived from Wolves.
The Reds could be set to return to sign the 22-year-old. David was reportedly close to joining Liverpool from Gent in 2020 but ultimately decided to challenge himself in Ligue 1 with Lille.
It’s fair to say that move has played out well for both parties, as David scored 13 goals in 37 league games last term as Lille shocked Europe by winning the Ligue 1 title. He has improved on that tally already this term, having scored 12 goals in 20 league games for the French champions.
However, with an exodus of players likely at the end of this season, Lille could be willing to finally listen to offers for the talented Canadian.
Liverpool will be right at the front of the queue when it comes to potential suitors.
Karim Adeyemi
Klopp may see interest in going for a younger star that he can mold into a first-team regular in the summer, and one of the names towards the top of that list is likely to be Karim Adeyemi.
Red Bull Salzburg has an excellent reputation for developing players, with Erling Haaland evident of the caliber of star that the club has produced in recent years. There would appear to be a good relationship between RB Salzburg and the Reds, too, as the Merseysiders brought Takumi Minamino from the Austrian side in 2020.
While Minamino’s move hasn’t worked out as many would have hoped, it isn’t likely to put the Reds off making a move for Adeyemi should the opportunity arise.
The 20-year-old already has experience playing in the Champions League and made his international debut for Germany in a World Cup qualifier against Armenia. He also scored his first goal for his nation in that big win.
Adeyemi has continued to impress for Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga this term, having scored ten goals in eleven games to break his best scoring season already.
His performances in the Champions League also played their part in the club reaching the next round, as he scored four goals in five games. His ability to play anywhere across the forward line is a big plus, and the Reds could be a logical next step to allow him to progress further as a player.
