Forgotten forward now begging Andoni Iraola for a chance

Liverpool are heading into their preseason tour short of centre forwards.

What happened to Hugo Ekitike is devastating - injuring his achilles and not expected to play again until 2027.

Alexander Isak meanwhile is returning late following the FIFA World Cup. And given the £125m man’s frequent fitness issues throughout his first season at Anfield it would be perhaps unwise to bank on him for the entire campaign.

That means a spot will open up for a No9 to enter the picture as either cover or competition for the Swede while Ekitike works on getting fit.

Liverpool probably won't sign a striker

It’s unlikely that Liverpool will go to the market for a striker - meaning an opportunity for a contender to emerge from within the academy ranks.

There is a chance we will see Jayden Danns in preseason according to a report in the Athletic. The 20-year-old has scored three goals in 10 senior outings for the Reds - but has suffered several injury setbacks in his short career thus far.

Nonetheless he is going to be on the plane to the United States next week - and should get some game time while other centre-forwards are unavailable.

Jayden Danns set for role on preseason tour

“With Isak returning late from the World Cup and Hugo Ekitike injured, Danns has the ideal opportunity to put himself in Iraola's thoughts,” the report reads.

“In his 10 senior appearances so far, he has shown his potential, scoring three goals. More of that in pre-season could put him in contention for a role in the senior squad.”

Jayden Danns: Situation summary

Jayden Danns is a Liverpool‑born centre‑forward, the son of former Crystal Palace and Bolton midfielder Neil Danns, who has come through the Reds’ academy after joining at eight years old.

Predominantly right‑footed and around 1.83m, he profiles as a mobile No.9 who can also work from the left, mixing penalty‑box instincts with neat link play and sharp movement across the line.

His game is built on timing rather than sheer physical dominance: clever runs off shoulders, quick combinations around the box and a knack for finding space in crowded areas, with academy numbers highlighting a consistent goalscoring streak at U18 and U21 level.

He’s tidy technically, attacks crosses aggressively and offers enough work‑rate to press from the front rather than being a static poacher.

Danns made his senior Liverpool debut at 18 against Luton in February 2024, then exploded onto the scene with a brace versus Southampton in the FA Cup and further goals in domestic cups before signing a new long‑term deal in early 2025.

A loan to Sunderland in 2025 was disrupted by a back issue, but his early first‑team impact, finishing instincts and academy output still mark him out as a legitimate long‑term striking prospect if he can stay fit and add physical robustness.