Are Liverpool Preparing for a New Number Nine?

The whispers around Anfield have been growing louder by the day. Speculation about Liverpool’s hunt for a fresh number nine has surged recently, and there’s enough evidence on the pitch to suggest it’s more than just a rumour. With Darwin Núñez seemingly out of favour, Diogo Jota dealing with injury concerns, and a recent link to Egyptian striker Omar Marmoush, the summer transfer window may bring a new forward into the fold.

Darwin Núñez: Missed Opportunity?

It’s been a mixed start to the 2024/25 season for Darwin Núñez. The Uruguayan striker, signed amid much fanfare, has not seen the minutes expected under Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot. In all competitions, Núñez has played just 307 minutes across seven games, scoring one goal and providing one assist. His appearances in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and EFL Cup have been fleeting, and he hasn’t managed to stake his claim convincingly.

Take his performance against Bologna in the Champions League: a 2-0 win that felt like a missed opportunity for Núñez. He saw 61 minutes of action but couldn’t convert his chances or influence the game in the way Slot might have hoped. It’s hard to shake the feeling that Núñez may not fit the mold of the striker Slot is after, especially when looking at his build-up play, positioning, and link-up efforts on the pitch. As the season unfolds, Núñez’s place in the pecking order seems tenuous at best.

Diogo Jota: Liverpool’s Best Option, But For How Long?

Currently, Diogo Jota stands as the preferred choice for the number nine role. On paper, Jota has been far more productive. In the 2024/25 season so far, he’s featured in 623 minutes across nine matches, contributing four goals and two assists. His knack for finding space and his clinical finishing make him an invaluable asset in attack. However, Jota’s reliability is often questioned due to his injury record. Another area of concern lies in his build-up play. While he excels in the final third, Slot appears to demand more involvement in the overall flow of the game from his number nine. There have been instances where Jota’s ability to link with teammates has fallen short, leaving Liverpool’s attack looking disjointed. Despite being first-choice right now, Jota’s form and fitness could leave the door open for further reinforcements this summer.

Marmoush Rumours and Potential Transfer Targets

The latest buzz surrounds Egyptian striker Omar Marmoush. Reports from WeltAmSonntag suggest that Liverpool are keenly interested in the Eintracht Frankfurt forward. While some have pegged Marmoush as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, it’s worth noting that the Egyptian forward has been playing up front for Frankfurt this season. His impressive form, which includes being the top scorer in the Bundesliga, has only fueled speculation of a summer move to Anfield.

Given Marmoush’s pace and eye for goal, it’s easy to see why Liverpool would be interested. He could offer exactly what Liverpool have lacked at times this season—a dynamic, mobile striker capable of stretching defenses and linking play effectively. Marmoush’s arrival could mark a shift in the way Liverpool set up their attack, offering Slot more tactical flexibility and a reliable goal-scoring option up front. Openda and others have been mentioned, and you’d suspect there’ll be more closer to summer.

New Striker on the Horizon?

Given Núñez’s struggles, Jota’s injury history, and the recent interest in Marmoush, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Liverpool dip into the transfer market for a new number nine next summer. Slot appears to be shaping his team with specific tactical needs, and it’s becoming clear that a reliable, versatile striker is near the top of the list. With other European giants also eyeing fresh forward talent, Liverpool will be planning ahead and ready to act swiftly if they are to land the right player. As the season progresses, we’ll have to see if Núñez can turn his fortunes around, or if Jota can maintain his fitness long enough to hold onto his starting role. But the signs are clear—a new striker at Anfield is becoming a very real possibility.