Liverpool are currently weighing up their options in the striker department, but may ultimately decide not to bring in a new forward at all.
Although the Reds have already been active with several arrivals this summer, attention is expected to shift towards trimming the squad to create room for any potential additions.
A new striker appears to be high on the agenda, with numerous names—such as Hugo Ekitike—linked to the club. However, no concrete developments have been made so far.
This lack of urgency could suggest the club are considering sticking with their existing attacking options, which would also help avoid a significant outlay.
Arne Slot is making the most of pre-season to test his available choices and has already rotated his forward line. One player in particular is being closely watched for a breakthrough, and it isn’t Darwin Nunez.
Federico Chiesa Might Be the Solution to Liverpool’s Striker Dilemma
Nunez appears likely to leave this summer, and with the speculation around Ekitike having gone quiet, some Liverpool fans are beginning to wonder who will lead the line in the upcoming campaign.
However, Slot might have come up with a clever alternative, as Federico Chiesa was deployed as a central striker in the match against Preston—and the early signs were promising.
The Italian delivered a confident 45-minute display in Liverpool’s opening pre-season fixture, showing sharpness and composure despite being used in an unfamiliar role.
He brought energy, flair, and, notably, looked capable of handling the responsibilities of a number nine if called upon throughout the season.
Having barely featured last season, Chiesa will be eager to make a fresh start, and Slot’s tactical experiment suggests the manager is keen to give him that opportunity.
Supporters were encouraged by what they saw, particularly Chiesa’s intelligent link-up play, which stood out as a key strength.
In Slot’s system, a striker must contribute to the team’s overall fluidity, and Chiesa did exactly that on Sunday with impressive impact.
Liverpool Must Keep Federico Chiesa
It might seem unusual to argue that Liverpool should hold on to a player who featured for just 104 minutes in the Premier League last season, but such is the promise he brings.
He’s already a fan favourite at Anfield, with his chant regularly echoing around the stadium—and he may have more opportunities to hear it next season.
More than just a useful impact substitute, his ability to play across the entire front line adds valuable depth and flexibility to the squad.
With Liverpool aiming to compete deep into every competition, there should be no shortage of opportunities for him to make his mark.
In his limited appearances so far, he has offered flashes of real talent. If he impresses Arne Slot during pre-season, there’s every reason to believe he’ll be rewarded with significantly more game time.
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