Liverpool have made a decisive call on their January transfer plans following confirmation that striker Alexander Isak faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Injury Blow Rules Out Key Forward
Alexander Isak is expected to miss several months of action after suffering a leg fracture during Liverpool's recent Premier League victory away at Tottenham Hotspur. The Swedish international, a significant summer signing, has undergone successful surgery but his absence represents a major setback for manager Arne Slot.
"It's going to be a long injury. A couple of months," Slot confirmed. "That's a big, big disappointment for him and also for us." The manager added that he remained confident Isak could play a part later in the season, but emphasised the challenge of returning to peak fitness.
Liverpool Close Door on Rumoured Replacement
With Mohamed Salah also absent due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, speculation had mounted that Liverpool would enter the January market for attacking reinforcements. A move for Feyenoord's prolific Japanese striker, Ayase Ueda, was heavily rumoured.
However, the Merseyside club have no intention of pursuing a deal for the 27-year-old. According to reports from the Netherlands, sourced via Sport Witness, Feyenoord have 'no reasons to fear' losing their star man to Liverpool this winter.
Ueda has been in sensational form this season, leading the Eredivisie scoring charts with 18 goals, including a four-goal haul in a 6-1 win over PEC Zwolle earlier in December. He was originally signed by current Liverpool boss Arne Slot for Feyenoord from Cercle Brugge in 2023.
Slot Backs Existing Squad to Cope
Despite the attacking shortages, Liverpool's decision indicates faith in their current squad. The team secured a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first match post-Isak's injury, with goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz.
Florian Wirtz's strike was his first Premier League goal since his big-money move from Bayer Leverkusen, a moment praised by his manager. "It's nice for him to score his first goal," Slot told Match of the Day. "He was special for us in many parts of the game."
The immediate focus for Liverpool will be on maximising the output from forwards like Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, and Diogo Jota, who recently returned from his own long-term absence, as they navigate a crucial period without two of their primary attackers.
