On to probably the biggest decision Liverpool will have to make this summer: a new striker is an absolute must. As we discussed in the previous part of this series, Darwin Núñez looks certain to depart, and Diogo Jota has struggled this season.

Mohamed Salah remained the most reliable outlet for goal contributions as Liverpool challenged for the Premier League title, with Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo also chipping in with important goals. However, with Núñez and Jota only combining for 11 league goals, Liverpool will be hoping to add some firepower up front.

In February, Arne Slot was asked what attributes he would look for in a striker, and his answer was a simple one: a player who can score goals and also be a facilitator. This is likely why Luis Díaz has occasionally been used as a central striker—he’s a player who can both create goal-scoring opportunities and finish them.

When recruiting a new centre-forward this summer, Liverpool will target someone who can help ease the reliance on Salah in front of goal and who can combine with teammates to create chances.

Of course, there have been links to the likes of Alexander Isak and Julián Álvarez, but these deals are considered very difficult at best and impossible at worst. There is no doubt that significant funds will be available to Richard Hughes to upgrade Liverpool’s attack, and so the player we suggest does not need to be cheap—just more attainable than Isak or Álvarez.

The Premier League is an incredibly demanding environment for strikers, particularly at elite clubs. Modern-day centre-forwards are expected to make explosive attacking runs, hold up the ball and bring teammates into play, carry the team up the pitch, and contribute both creatively and with goals. With that in mind, we will try to identify a well-rounded centre-forward with the physical tools to compete with the very best defenders in the league.

As we previously predicted that Liverpool will retain Diogo Jota this summer, any new addition to the forward line must have a strong injury record. In the event of another injury to the clinical Portuguese international—which feels almost inevitable at this stage—the club must be able to rely on their new striker to play consecutive matches. Given Jota is also approaching his 30s, the suggested player should ideally be capable of leading the line for the next five years.

As discussed earlier, most reports suggest Liverpool would have no issue investing heavily in a striker—provided the right one is identified. For this reason, we will not require this signing to be available for less than £50 million. We will also not require this player to be positionally versatile, as—barring further exits—the squad should have sufficient cover in all areas of the pitch.

Finally, although Premier League experience would be ideal, there are very few strikers in the division who meet the required profile. João Pedro has injury concerns and lacks consistent goal output, Matheus Cunha looks destined for Manchester, and options like Ollie Watkins and Jean-Philippe Mateta fall outside the desired age bracket.

Bryan Mbeumo could be considered an outside option, but he will depart for AFCON during one of the busiest periods of the season. Of course, the ideal addition would be Alexander Isak—but that deal is looking increasingly unlikely.

On the subject of Isak, if Liverpool can recruit a striker of a similar profile, that would be incredibly beneficial. It would be unfair to expect any new signing to hit the ground running in the same way Isak has of late, but if the club can find someone with the potential to grow into that kind of forward, it would be a major success.