Finally! Michael Edwards to complete Liverpool transfer six years in the making

Michael Edwards could finally sign an attacker he's been eyeing up for years.

Liverpool's need for attacking reinforcements this summer extends far beyond the signing of a single winger.

While adding quality out wide like Yan Diomande is of the utmost priority, the club's current situation means that more than one forward arrival is required if Andoni Iraola is to have the depth needed to compete across all competitions.

The departure of Mohamed Salah and likely Federico Chiesa will follow suit will significantly reduce Liverpool's attacking options.

Salah's exit alone removes a huge source of goals, creativity and leadership, while Chiesa's expected departure further weakens the squad's depth.

To make matters worse, Hugo Ekitike is sidelined with a long-term injury and is not expected to return until January 2027. As things stand, Iraola is left with just Rio Ngumoha, Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo as genuine attacking options.

That is simply not enough for a club with ambitions of challenging for the Premier League and Champions League. While Ngumoha is an exciting young talent, expecting him to shoulder major responsibility at this stage of his development would be unfair. Gakpo offers quality and versatility, but he cannot carry the entire attack on his own. And it's also moot whether he even will stay at the club as well.

The biggest concern is Alexander Isak. On his day, he is one of the most complete forwards in European football, but his injury record means Liverpool cannot afford to rely solely on him as their central striker.

A lengthy absence would leave Iraola desperately short of options through the middle.

That is why Liverpool should not only target a winger but also invest in either a natural no.9 or a versatile attacker capable of leading the line. Or even better, both if Gakpo also decides to depart.

The modern game demands depth, flexibility and competition for places, Liverpool have to provide that for Iraola.

Signing multiple attackers would protect Liverpool against injuries, provide tactical variety, and ensure the squad has enough firepower to remain competitive throughout a long and demanding season.

One attacking signing would help. Two or more may be essential.

One of the most intriguing options Liverpool could target for that back-up no.9 role is someone Michael Edwards has had on his radar for a while.

Folarin Balogun. Back in 2020 as per the Daily Mirror, Liverpool were exploring a move for the young forward who had been very prolific for Arsenal at youth level.

Balogun was due to be a free agent in the summer of 2021 and the Reds' scouts wanted to bring him into the club's academy on a free transfer.

In the end, Balogun decided to extend his stay with Arsenal but then went out on loan and was ultimately sold to AS Monaco three years ago.

The 24-year-old is now entering his prime and finished last season with 24 goal contributions in 43 games. In total Balogun has 53 goals and 16 assists during the last four seasons he has spent in France at Reims and Monaco.

He currently has two years left on his deal and he's already catching the eye with a brace at the World Cup for the United States.

A brilliant finisher and someone who would count as a homegrown player, Balogun is someone who is now definitely ready to play for Liverpool.

And after six years, Edwards could finally get his man.

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