Which forwards can Liverpool sign if Kylian Mbappe is out of reach?

Kylian Mbappe is the forward every Liverpool fan wants, but a transfer is probably a pipe dream.

Unfortunately, the financial implications of the move make it a non-starter. A reported fee of €200 million as well as astronomic wages simply doesn't match up to FSG's recent transfer policy. However, there are forwards out there, who, while not of the same standard as Mbappe, could represent more economically viable options.

Donyell Malen

The young Dutchman has been tearing up the Eredivisie in recent seasons and a big move looks to be on the cards. He has experience in English football, having been at the Arsenal academy early in his career. However, he's now a full Dutch international and is one of the best forwards in the Netherlands. His production this season has been excellent, with 18 goal contributions in just 21 Eredivisie appearances.

Blessed with pace as well as lethal finishing ability, he'd slot in perfectly at Liverpool. The one element of his game he would have to work on, however, would be his pressing. According to FBref, Malen is only in the 15th percentile for pressures compared to other forwards in the last year.

However, with Jurgen Klopp's coaching, and Malen's athleticism, you could see that changing following an Anfield move. His ability to play out wide, as well as centrally, will also be a bonus to any Liverpool scouts. At 22-years-old he's got youth on his side, and he wouldn't cost the world either.

Memphis Depay

From a current PSV forward to a former one, it'd be surprising if Memphis Depay wasn't on Liverpool's scouting shortlist. Known in England for his poor spell at Manchester United, Depay has got his career back on track at Lyon. Playing more often centrally, than out wide, as he did previously, he has been a fantastic addition to Ligue 1.

This season, he has kept up a stellar production rate, scoring 13 goals and providing six assists in 25 Ligue 1 appearances. At 27-years-old, he doesn't have the sort of resale value that Malen might, but his experience in England will stand him in good stead. There's also the fact his contract is set to expire in the summer. To pick up a forward of his talent on a free transfer would be an excellent bit of business for the Reds.

Patson Daka

Whereas former Salzburg star Erling Haaland may be the name on people's lips, his successor isn't far behind. Patson Daka has picked up where his former team-mate left off, banging in the goals for the Austrian champions. With 13 goals and three assists in the Austrian Bundesliga, he's more than picking up where the big Norweigan left off.

His blinding pace is what grabs the headlines, but he is a technically excellent footballer.
He is capable of scoring all types of goals, from screaming half volleys to tap-ins. He's also a proficient dribbler of the ball, particularly fond of spinning off opponents when receiving the ball with his back to goal.

Liverpool's excellent relationship with the Red Bull group should also help them should they pursue the young Zambian. With Red Bull products, Sadio Mane, Takumi Minamino, and Naby Keita already on the Anfield books, it's not hard to see a move for Daka eventuating.