The identity of Liverpool’s new attacking signing has become a little clearer over the weekend.
Liverpool look set to add a new forward this summer as Arne Slot tries to give his team a more clinical edge.
The Reds certainly have plenty of interesting options already available to the new head coach. But with the likes of Darwin Nunez struggling to find the net at the end of last season, something extra is needed.
To some, the top target should have been Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise. The Frenchman had a brilliant end to the campaign leading to claims that Liverpool had installed Olise as their number one choice.
However, reports on Friday confirmed that the Palace man has now chosen to join Bayern Munich instead. While Chelsea and Newcastle are said to have enquired, Liverpool’s name is nowhere to be seen.
Liverpool lining up Michael Olise alternative
We’re not completely sure that Olise was ever of much interest to Liverpool. If the likes of Chelsea are unsure they can afford his wage demands, then the Reds surely aren’t all that involved.
Nevertheless, there’s no denying that the 22-year-old would have been a smart addition. As Liverpool look to move on from Mohamed Salah in the coming years, Olise seemed like a good option to help with that.
Still young, the France U21 international looks primed to kick on a gear or two and establish himself as one of the best wingers in Europe.
Perhaps then, Liverpool have missed a trick. Olise was available and some will feel the Reds should have pushed harder to get him.
READ MORE: Five wingers Liverpool could realistically look to sign this summer
In our opinion though, Liverpool’s decision not to enter the race for Olise could actually prove to be an exciting one.
Because if the Reds have chosen not to rival Bayern for him, then it should mean that they have someone equally good – or perhaps even better – lined up.
The Liverpool owners don’t tend to make many poor choices in the transfer market, and if they’ve decided that there’s someone else they prefer over Olise, then we’re excited to see who that is.
There are certainly one or two players out there who could fit into the bracket.
Who could Liverpool target instead of Michael Olise?
A direct swap for Olise in terms of transfer targets would have to be a right-sided left-footer. But it isn’t especially clear whether that’s what Liverpool are looking for this summer.
Salah looks set to be at Anfield for another year at least and it could be that Slot wants another natural left-sider instead.
Certainly, the strongest links over recent days have come for Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams. Liverpool have reportedly asked for information on Williams as they ponder a move.
Although he tends to play on the opposite side to Olise, the 21-year-old would certainly represent an exciting alternative.
So too would Johan Bakayoko, who is a left-footer. The Belgian is another to have been strongly linked. There have even been claims that Bakayoko’s agents are already in conversation with Liverpool.
Whoever it is then, it won’t be Olise. But in some ways that only makes it all the more exciting.