​Boudewijn Zenden has warned that Liverpool could risk angering two of their current players if they spend upwards of £80m on another striker. The Reds pumped around £200m into two centre-forwards last summer, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, but both have since endured long-term injuries. The Sweden international broke his leg just before Christmas and had only recently returned in April when Ekitike suffered an Achilles problem expected to sideline him for the rest of 2026. That situation has forced new head coach Andoni Iraola to rely heavily on Isak to stay fit during the first half of next season, but Zenden cautions that splashing big money on another striker could create more problems for Liverpool than it solves.
In comments reported via the Liverpool Echo, Zenden, speaking to Svea Casino, said: “Hugo Ekitike endured a very serious injury that will keep him out for a long time. The club now has to decide how to handle his temporary absence. Liverpool tried to fill the gap last season by using Cody Gakpo as a central striker, which I don’t think is his best position; but if you sign another striker, it could cost around £80m. Then, when everyone is fit again, you’ve spent three times that amount and you’ll have two unhappy players on the bench. It’s not an easy situation for the club to manage.”
Who starts for Liverpool will hinge on Isak’s fitness. If he begins the season well and remains injury-free, he will be in contention. However, it’s not straightforward for a player returning from an eight-month layoff to reclaim a regular first-team berth. Zenden’s assessment adds to ongoing deliberations about Liverpool’s approach to the centre-forward role. Do the club bank on Isak staying healthy through the early part of next season, or do they hedge against potential injuries to the Swede by spending big on a new striker?
Even excluding Ekitike’s four-month absence from last season, the Reds’ record signing has battled persistent fitness issues, which do not bode well for consistent availability in the upcoming campaign. Without new recruitment in the number nine position, Iraola could be forced to shift Gakpo into a central role or deploy Florian Wirtz as a false nine if Isak were to suffer another setback. While not ideal, such a scenario remains plausible.
On the other hand, if Liverpool were to invest heavily in another centre-forward and Iraola were to retain a 4-2-3-1 formation that had served him well at Bournemouth, Liverpool could end up with three forwards all signed for substantial sums. This outcome would present its own challenges for squad harmony and playing time, underscoring the delicate balance the club must strike between strengthening the attack and maintaining harmony among their forward options.