Liverpool at risk of making 'two players unhappy' with summer transfer business
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Liverpool is in the market for a new striker this summer, and former midfielder Bolo Zenden has warned the Reds they must be careful not to create two unhappy players if they sign another forward09:09, 11 Jul 2026Updated 09:19, 11 Jul 2026Andoni Iraola is preparing for the new season(Image: Getty Images)Former Liverpool midfielder Bolo Zenden has cautioned his old club that it risks alienating both Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak if it brings in yet another striker this summer.The Reds are currently bolstering their attacking ranks, with Victor Munoz completing his move from Osasuna, while interest has been reported in several wingers, among them Paris Saint-Germain's France international Bradley Barcola.Liverpool must also weigh up whether to pursue an additional center forward, given that Isak endured a disrupted campaign last season through injury and fitness issues, while Ekitike faces a race against time to return to action this calendar year following a serious Achilles injury sustained in April.Zenden, who lined up in the 2007 Champions League final, believes the Reds face a considerable balancing act in managing their attacking resources under Andoni Iraola in the forthcoming campaign."Hugo Ekitike has also suffered a really bad injury that will set him back a long time," he said. "The club has a decision to make with his temporary absence."Liverpool tried to fill the gap last season by playing Cody Gakpo as a central striker, which I don't think is his best position.Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike were both signed by Liverpool a year ago(Image: Getty Images)"But if you sign another striker, it will probably cost £80 million ($107 million)."Then, suddenly, when everyone is fit, you've spent three times that amount and have two unhappy players on the bench.
It's not an easy situation to manage as a club."Who is first choice at Liverpool will depend on the fitness of Alexander Isak. If he can start the season well and stay fit, he will be in contention."However, it's not easy for a player (Ekitike) returning from an eight-month injury to immediately regain his spot in the first team."Speaking to Svea Casino, Zenden added: "Andoni Iraola needs to keep Alexander Isak fit, that's the best advice I could give.
He's also been unlucky, having suffered a few very nasty injuries and not every injury is a player's fault."He joined Liverpool after a strong spell at Newcastle, but moving clubs is never easy. However, he has proven at his previous clubs that he is a handful, so it's up to the manager to keep him fit and ensure he's used in the best way possible."