Liverpool have been handed a major blow in the form Alexander Isak, who is sidelined for months after his injury against Tottenham.
Liverpool must now alter their plans for the upcoming January transfer window so that they can cushion the blow from Alexander Isak’s absence and bring in the necessary additions needed to get through the remainder of the 2025/26 season. The Swedish international might not play this season, but Liverpool need more quality in the attack.
Here at The Hard Tackle, we look at three players who could help them perform a high-level in the coming months.
Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
Semenyo has shown a blend of pace, strength, and goal threat that suits Liverpool’s dynamic forward line. He offers versatility to play across the front three, cutting inside from the left or filling a central striker role as needed.
This has been a breakout season for the Ghanaian international at Bournemouth, and his flexibility could help cover Isak’s absence. The London-born attacker has proven himself to be a credible goal threat, and he would not need a lengthy adaptation period.
The 25-year-old should be able to make an immediate impact at Liverpool if he joins the club. However, Liverpool will face stiff competition from several high-profile clubs for his signature, with Manchester City and Manchester United among the front-runners to secure his services.
Bradley Barcola (PSG)
Barcola is a versatile, pacy attacker who can operate as a winger or secondary striker. The French attacker’s movement, dribbling ability, and willingness to take on defenders suit Liverpool’s style, particularly in transitions.
Barcola would inject youth, pace, and explosiveness into the forward line, offering an upgrade on Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa. He was excellent for PSG last season and registered over 40 goal contributions.
The Frenchman is young enough to improve further, and he could develop into a star for Liverpool. However, widespread reports have linked the versatile PSG attacker with several high-profile clubs, including Manchester United.
Yankuba Minteh (Brighton)
Minteh is a dynamic winger who can operate on both flanks, adding directness, crossing, and a goal threat. His movement and willingness to cut inside suit the way Liverpool looks to play. The Brighton & Hove Albion winger represents a lower-risk, high-reward option with high potential resale value.
The Gambian winger has worked with Arne Slot in the past, and he could contribute goals and assists in the second half of the season. Minteh is also well settled in the Premier League, and he could make an immediate impact if he joins the club.
So who joins Liverpool?
Liverpool will need an immediate goal threat and versatility if they want to keep their cup ambitions alive. Semenyo, Barcola, and Minteh could cover the central and wide roles. They would also add depth and rotation options to the side for Europe and the Premier League:
They will help Liverpool navigate a congested fixture schedule, enabling Slot to rotate without a steep drop in intensity or quality between matches. Liverpool’s injury crisis at the moment demands swift, targeted action in January.
Bringing in Antoine Semenyo, Bradley Barcola, or Yankuba Minteh could restore attacking depth, maintain quality, and provide flexibility across the front three in domestic and European competitions. All three players could offer a complementary skill set that aligns with Slot’s style, enabling Liverpool to remain competitive even without Isak for a prolonged period.
However, signing quality players can be a huge challenge in January. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool are willing to pay above and beyond the reasonable boundaries in order to get the deal done. In addition, most of these players have been linked with other clubs as well. Semenyo, for example, has been linked with Manchester United and Manchester City.
The Ghanaian international has a £65 million release clause in his contract, and all three clubs would have to pay up if they want to get the deal done. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.
PSG are fighting for the league title and the UEFA Champions League. Barcola might not be an indispensable asset for them, but he is a very useful player. Losing him would hurt the depth of options at the club. Similarly, Minteh is a key player for the Seagulls.
There is no doubt that all three players have the quality to play at the highest level, and they could transform Liverpool going forward. The opportunity to join the Premier League champions could be exciting for the three players as well. It will be interesting to see who they end up with.
