Liverpool did big business on the frontline this summer, as the Reds broke the British transfer record for two attackers. Evidently, forwards were a big concern following the events that unfolded at Anfield throughout the summer.
Fan favourite Diogo Jota was met with unprecedented tragedy. The Portuguese international passed away in a car accident alongside his brother Andre Silva, which occurred in Spain.
This was not only a hefty loss to the football world but also impacted the Liverpool frontline. In the days that followed, Luis Díaz left for Bayern Munich in a deal worth approximately £65m.
Uruguayan forward Darwin Núñez, on the other hand, moved to the Middle East for a reported £46m. The South American will be playing for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
The biggest transfer of the season, though, was when Liverpool broke the bank to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak for £125m.
The Reds previously broke the record for Florian Wirtz as the German left Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £116m. Hugo Ekitike was also welcomed from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69m with add-ons, making the deal worth £79m.
However, there was another winger that the Reds were impressed by, but he didn’t make it to Anfield this year.
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Malick Fofana talks about Liverpool and Everton interest
Fofana scored his first goal for Belgium against Liechtenstein (Credits: Imago Images)
Malick Fofana was another winger that Arne Slot was spying on for a potential Anfield move. Everton were also interested as the Merseyside rivals tried to loop in the defender on the other side of town.
“There was interest from those two clubs, but ultimately nothing concrete. I’ve considered a transfer, but now I think it’s more important that I play a lot, and that has to happen at Lyon. Because I still have some progress to make”, Fofana told the media.
Lyon demanded an approximate £43m for the Belgium international. TransferMarkt values the player at €30m or about £25m. Many found the pricing too extravagant, considering it is 68% higher than the Belgian’s current market value.
Nevertheless, Liverpool found their teenage sensation in Rio Ngumoha as the Newham native scored his first goal for the senior team in his debut match.
Rio hasn’t signed his first professional contract with Liverpool yet, but considering his recent performance, it won’t be surprising if there is an announcement soon.
Fofana, on the other hand, scored his first goal for the Belgian national team against Liechtenstein. It was his second cap for the national team as the Lyon winger linked up with teammate Alexis Saelemaekers in injury time.
