Arne Slot insists Liverpool have the attacking depth to defend their Premier League title, even if they fail to secure top transfer target Alexander Isak.
The Reds are braced for a hostile reception at St James’ Park, with Newcastle United fans furious over Isak’s desire to leave after Liverpool’s £110million bid for the striker was rejected last month.
It remains unclear whether Liverpool will return with an improved offer before the transfer window closes, though that possibility cannot be ruled out.
Regardless of how the saga unfolds, Slot is confident his current squad has enough firepower to carry them through the campaign.
That belief may surprise some observers, particularly given the potential risks of injuries to Hugo Ekitike, Mohamed Salah, or Cody Gakpo.
Salah’s likely absence for up to seven games during the Africa Cup of Nations also adds to those concerns.
Slot, however, remains optimistic, highlighting the versatility of summer signing Florian Wirtz.
The German international’s ability to operate as a false nine and in multiple attacking roles, Slot believes, could prove transformational for Liverpool’s title defence.
“It depends how you want to look at it,’ said Slot.
“If you want to add Florian Wirtz as an attacking option then you can make it five, so yeah, we’ve sold Darwin (Nunez) and brought in Hugo. Lucho has gone, you can maybe see Florian as a replacement for that.
“Yes, we all know what happened to Diogo (Jota). If you look at it like this, maybe we haven’t (got enough) but Jeremie Frimpong, when he is fit, is definitely an option to play as a winger as well, so then we end up at six forwards!”
“I would consider him for more games in that (false nine) position,’ Slot, who is debating whether to use Joe Gomez at right-back for the hamstrung Frimpong, confirmed.
“But there were games last season – Man City and Aston Villa away – where we played with an extra midfielder like Curtis Jones.
“But it depends not only on bringing in an extra midfielder but it depends on tactics, how they line up, all these kinds of things.
“He is already an option to play as a left winger and he can be an option for the upcoming game. Cody played a good game against Bournemouth as well.”
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