Liverpool are reportedly actively exploring the transfer market for another No.9 to provide cover for Alexander Isak.
The report comes from Indykaila News, with the Reds said to be looking at options after Hugo Ekitike’s long-term injury.
And personally, I think another striker is definitely needed.
Liverpool have invested heavily in Isak, but asking him to lead the line throughout an entire season without another recognised No.9 would be an unnecessary risk.
Isak cannot play every game
There is no question that Isak is now the main striker.
The Swedish international has the quality to lead Liverpool’s attack and has already shown glimpses of what he can offer.
But Liverpool have a huge season ahead.
Premier League.
Champions League.
FA Cup.
Carabao Cup.
There will be plenty of matches, and Isak simply cannot be expected to start every single one.
He will need to be rested and rotated, while injuries and suspensions are inevitable over the course of a long campaign.
That’s why Liverpool need a genuine alternative.
Ekitike’s absence changes everything
Hugo Ekitike would have provided exactly that option.
His long-term absence means Liverpool have suddenly lost an important piece of their attacking depth.
Instead of having two high-quality No.9s competing for minutes, Iraola could potentially be left with Isak as his only established central striker.
That is a dangerous position to find yourself in.
Imagine Isak picking up an injury during a crucial Champions League period.
Who leads the line?
Liverpool shouldn’t be scrambling for an answer after the problem occurs.
They need to have the answer now.
Wirtz shouldn’t be the solution
Florian Wirtz can obviously operate centrally, but I don’t believe Liverpool should view him as their alternative No.9.
His best qualities are displayed when he has freedom behind the striker.
The developing relationship between Wirtz and Isak is one of the most exciting things about this Liverpool team.
Moving Wirtz into the striker position simply because there isn’t another No.9 would change the entire balance of the attack.
Liverpool should be protecting that partnership rather than disrupting it.
Another striker would give Iraola options
A second senior No.9 would give Iraola much greater flexibility.
He could rotate Isak during busy periods.
He could use the new striker in domestic cup matches.
He could bring him off the bench when Liverpool need a different type of attacking threat.
And, most importantly, he would have somebody capable of stepping into the starting XI if Isak isn’t available.
Competition is also healthy.
Isak should know that he has to perform because there is another striker waiting for his opportunity.
Liverpool need depth to compete on all fronts
This isn’t about signing another superstar who has to start every week.
It’s about finding a player Iraola can trust.
Liverpool have ambitions of competing for major trophies, and squad depth is going to be crucial.
The strongest teams don’t simply have an excellent starting XI.
They have players capable of maintaining the level when injuries, suspensions and fatigue inevitably arrive.
With Ekitike out long term, Liverpool currently have a hole in that department.
I think another No.9 is definitely needed
The report from Indykaila News is therefore an interesting one.
Liverpool are reportedly looking at the market for another striker, and I believe that is exactly what they should be doing.
They have built an exciting attack around Wirtz and Isak.
Now they need to make sure that attack has enough depth to survive an entire season.
Isak cannot play every minute.
Ekitike won’t be available for a long time.
And Wirtz shouldn’t be moved from the position where he can cause the most damage.
For me, another No.9 isn’t a luxury.
It’s a necessity.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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