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Jordan Chamberlain, Liverpool fan writer

Liverpool are in a tricky situation. Despite apparently ‘winning the transfer window’ with monster deals for Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and others, the Reds are going into the second weekend of the season worryingly short in attack.

We’ve sold Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, while tragically losing Diogo Jota. Ekitike doesn’t cover all three. Liverpool have seemingly put all our eggs into Alexander Isak’s basket. While the striker is desperate to come, Newcastle United, who have failed in all their attempts to buy replacements, have doubled down on their going nowhere stance.

Liverpool usually wait to get the right player instead of buying stopgaps. And for this reason, I see Isak signing in January. The situation mirrors Coutinho’s exit to Barcelona in 2018. The Brazilian feigned a back injury and did everything he could to leave the summer previous, but with Liverpool not prepared for his sale, they simply said no. Then, the Reds prepared for his departure and used him well for five months before cashing in. I expect the same thing to happen with the Swede, although reintegration at St. James’ Park will be tougher given his scorched earth Instagram statement.

As for Monday’s game against the Magpies? Gulp. There is literally no harder game for Liverpool on planet earth right now given the ferocity with which their players and fans will approach it. I’m praying for no injuries.

Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop