How Isak and Ngumoha fit into plans for Liverpool's new-look attack

Arne Slot made use of six senior options in attack last season, but may well take a different route this time around.

Photo: IMAGO | Anfield Index

It is entirely understandable that Liverpool’s pre-season tour has brought focus onto their need to sign a centre-back before the transfer window closes.

Five goals conceded over two games, a Joe Gomez Achilles injury, and the use of both Kostas Tsimikas and Ryan Gravenberch in the centre of defence suggests fans’ fears regarding depth in that position are not without justification.

But it is also clear enough that this issue will be addressed between now and the September 1 transfer deadline.

Interest in Marc Guehi is well documented, and Liverpool are awaiting an indication from Crystal Palace that they would do business at a figure deemed to be acceptable.

If not, alternative targets who align with the profile sought over previous windows will be chased.

As much was spelled out by Arne Slot recently saying of his centre-back depth: “Jarell Quansah left and we haven’t replaced him yet.”

However, while Liverpool’s obvious intention to retool their defence should ease any panic, there seems to be little talk about their dwindling options elsewhere: specifically, up top.

The recent signing of Hugo Ekitike provided a welcome boost, and the Frenchman put in an encouraging debut alongside Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah in Yokohama on Wednesday.

But Federico Chiesa played no part after being left at home to plot a route back to his native Italy this summer, while Darwin Nunez’s cameo perhaps showed why his days are numbered amid Saudi interest.

And so, should both men depart as expected, then the Reds will be down to just three senior forwards - a far cry from last season’s six.

Of course, the pursuit of Alexander Isak remains ongoing, and a path to a deal looks to be opening up as Newcastle actively pursue striking reinforcements.

If the Magpies succeed on that front, then Liverpool expect to be given the greenlight to make an offer for the Swede that would break the British transfer record.

Yet the sheer cost of that deal makes further additions in attack feel unlikely, and that aligns with the mood music coming from Anfield currently.