FSG join Liverpool in race to secure £123m signing

Liverpool now appear to be moving on from the dreadful run of form that almost cost Arne Slott his job.

The Reds are on a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions, and while draws against Leeds United and Sunderland in the Premier League will be a bit of a blow, Slott & Co. will be hugely confident after back-to-back wins over Inter Milan and Brighton & Hove Albion in December so far.

Even Mo Salah, who was back under the Dutch manager after a public falling out, provided a late assist against the Seagulls to help the resurgent side claim a 2-0 victory over Fabian Hürzeler’s tricky visitors.

However, he will soon be playing for Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, and the January transfer window will soon be added to the Reds’ schedule after the upcoming Christmas extravaganza.

Where Liverpool could strengthen in January

Despite the recent uptick in form at Anfield, Slott will no doubt still be hoping to add a few new players in January.

Indeed, rumors persist that the reigning Premier League champions are looking for reinforcements in the centre-back department, courtesy of Marc Guehy. In addition to the interest in the Crystal Palace giant, reports have also emerged that Liverpool are targeting Borussia Dortmund giant Nico Schlotterbeck to further strengthen their talent at the back.

In addition to continued interest in Guehi, Liverpool remain in fierce competition for former teammate Bayern Munich ace Michael Oliseh.

But new developments in TEAMtalk suggest it won’t be an easy battle to win.

The site says Oliseh is not opposed to a move to Spain, where Real Madrid and Barcelona are in the loop, as the former Palace winger has chosen to keep his options open.

Liverpool are also noted as long-time fans of the £123m-rated attacker, and Slott could land another version of Hugo Ekitike if the Reds accelerate to the front of the queue with his services, as another talent who tore the Bundesliga to shreds could take the Premier League by storm.

After all, Olise, like the former Eintracht Frankfurt marksman, is already used to scoring goals for fun in England…

How Olise can become the new Equitique

While Alexander Isaac continues to lack form on Merseyside, Ekitike scored twice in back-to-back Premier League games in December this year and has risen through the ranks as the reliable goal-scoring hero Slot needs to lead his side.

He has certainly lived up to the ‘goal machine’ label handed to him by Reds correspondent David Lynch in the summer, scoring 26 goals for Frankfurt before joining the hectic England game in a £69m deal. He has already scored seven goals in his new colors and his price tag is more than justified.

Olise has a much heavier price tag to match, but he also boasts outrageous numbers in Bavaria, with his fearsome ability to outwit defenders at his pace and calmness in finishing off chances in front of goal, with Bayern teammate Serge Gnabry hailing him as “one of the best players in the world” earlier this season.

The numbers don’t lie, the 13-time France international has already racked up an impressive nine goals and 14 assists this season, and Ekitike is certainly licking his tongue at the prospect of matching up with the Bundesliga-based talent should a long-awaited return to the Premier League materialize.

There will be no worries about Oliseh’s ability to enter the Premier League and, like his compatriot, instantly settle with the 24-year-old “magician”, as another teammate of Dayot Upamecano labeled him. His contribution in England’s top flight had already fallen by 36 goals since his previous home at Selhurst Park.

While the conversation remains focused on Salah’s departure, with big money being spent on another interesting forward from Germany, there is a real feeling that Olise could be the replacement that Slott & Co. desperately need.

Isak cost a record £125m to sign Isak, and while there will be some doubts on Liverpool’s part, it has given Liverpool enough space to warm up their bench.

However, Olise, who is currently in top form under manager Vincent Kompany, has all the ingredients to be a great signing, with another gem like Ekitike being unearthed that could propel Liverpool further up the table.