Liverpool’s season appeared to turn a crucial corner when Alexander Isak finally announced himself in red with a composed finish at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Latching onto a perfectly weighted through-ball from Florian Wirtz, the Swedish striker showed exactly why Liverpool committed a staggering £125 million to secure his signature. For a fleeting moment, it felt as though Isak’s difficult start on Merseyside was behind him.
That optimism, however, was brutally short-lived.
Moments after scoring, Isak was left crumpled on the turf following a heavy collision with Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven. Instead of celebrating with the travelling Liverpool supporters, the forward lay clutching his leg as medical staff rushed onto the pitch. A stretcher was briefly prepared, and although Isak managed to limp off under his own power, the concern was unmistakable.
Early assessments suggested a suspected fracture to his left leg an injury that could rule him out for several months. For a player who had only just begun to find rhythm after a slow start, the timing could scarcely be worse.
Now, with the January transfer window approaching rapidly, Liverpool face a familiar dilemma: whether to reinforce their attacking options or trust existing depth to carry them through a congested second half of the season.
Arne Slot’s squad is already light in the No. 9 department, and with Isak potentially sidelined long-term, the pressure on Liverpool’s recruitment team is mounting. Yet financial reality and long-term planning mean the club is unlikely to pursue another blockbuster signing so soon after spending heavily in the summer.
Instead, Liverpool may be forced to look for value players who can contribute immediately without derailing the club’s broader strategy. Here are five relatively affordable striking options the Reds could consider this January.
Ivan Toney A Proven Premier League Goalscorer Ready for a Return
Ivan Toney’s name has never drifted far from Premier League gossip columns since his move to Saudi Arabia in 2024. Once seen as the ideal solution to Manchester United’s striking woes and later linked with Arsenal, Toney instead opted for a lucrative deal in the Middle East.
Statistically, his output has been impressive. Forty-two goals in 62 appearances for Al-Ahli underline his natural finishing ability, even if the overall standard of the league invites cautious interpretation.
At 29 years old, Toney remains firmly in his prime. With the World Cup looming just months away, a return to elite European football could be crucial for his international ambitions. England selection is unlikely without consistent performances at the highest level.
Reports suggest Toney could be available for a fee in the region of £20 million a figure that would have seemed unthinkable during his Brentford peak. For Liverpool, he would offer physicality, penalty-box instincts, and proven Premier League experience, albeit with some questions around long-term fit and wage demands.
Dušan Vlahović: A Cut Price Opportunity From Juventus
Few strikers have been linked with the Premier League as persistently as Dušan Vlahović. Once regarded as one of Europe’s most coveted young forwards during his Fiorentina days, the Serbian ultimately chose Juventus over Arsenal a decision that has produced mixed results.
While his record of 64 goals in 162 appearances for Juventus is respectable, it falls short of the expectations that followed him to Turin. Juventus, facing ongoing financial constraints, are believed to be open to selling, particularly with Vlahović’s contract nearing its final months.
With just six months remaining on his deal, the 25-year-old could be available for under £20 million a remarkable discount for a striker of his pedigree. Tall, powerful, and capable of leading the line alone, Vlahović could suit Slot’s system, though his adaptation to Premier League intensity remains an open question.
Aleksandar Mitrović: Familiar, Physical, and Reliable
Aleksandar Mitrović is a name Premier League fans know well. During his time at Fulham, the Serbian forward built a reputation as one of the division’s most physically imposing strikers, bullying defenders and thriving in aerial duels.
His Fulham record 111 goals in 206 matches speaks volumes, and his prolific scoring continued during his spell in Saudi Arabia before a recent move to Qatar. Even at 31, Mitrović remains a formidable presence capable of unsettling opposition back lines.
While he may not represent a long-term solution, Mitrović could serve as an effective short-term option, particularly in matches where Liverpool need a more direct approach. His experience and toughness could also prove valuable in high-pressure fixtures and cup competitions.
Danny Welbeck: Experience, Form, and a Point to Prove
Danny Welbeck may not be the most glamorous option, but his current form demands attention. The Brighton striker has quietly enjoyed an excellent season, scoring seven goals in 16 appearances and earning whispers of an England recall.
At 35, Welbeck is undoubtedly in the twilight of his career, yet his intelligence, movement, and work rate remain elite. For a Liverpool side needing depth rather than a long-term centerpiece, he could represent a low-risk, short-term solution.
There is, however, an emotional and historical hurdle. A boyhood Manchester United supporter with over 140 appearances for their first team, Welbeck would have to cross one of English football’s fiercest divides — something not every player is willing to do.
Endrick: Youth, Talent, and Untapped Potential
Among the more intriguing options is Endrick, the Brazilian wonderkid once compared to Pelé before his move to Real Madrid. Despite flashes of promise last season, the 19-year-old has struggled for minutes under new manager Xabi Alonso.
With only a handful of appearances this campaign, a January loan move appears likely. Marseille have been strongly linked, but Liverpool could offer a compelling alternative, providing Premier League exposure and a platform to reignite his development.
Endrick would represent a different type of gamble one based on potential rather than immediate reliability. Yet in the right environment, surrounded by elite creators, his pace, flair, and hunger to prove himself could flourish.
A Defining January for Liverpool’s Season
Alexander Isak’s injury has forced Liverpool into an uncomfortable position at a pivotal point in the campaign. While the club may not panic, doing nothing carries risks of its own, particularly with fixture congestion and multiple competitions to navigate.
Whether Liverpool opt for experience, physical presence, proven goalscoring, or youthful promise, the January window could prove decisive in shaping their season and possibly Arne Slot’s early legacy at Anfield.