Liverpool regretting Richard Hughes transfer botch: Julian Ward can't miss deal for forward
The extended international break took its toll on Liverpool.
A four-game UEFA Nations League sequence saw Andoni Iraola’s squad reconvene without top forwards like Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak.
Given Isak’s recent upturn in form in front of goal - with four Premier League strikes netted to this point - the Spanish head coach was left ruing a lack of options up top.
With Manchester City on the horizon that was a far from ideal scenario.
Iraola left with few forward options
We know all about Hugo Ekitike’s problems - with the Frenchman not expected back until around the turn of the year - while Jayden Danns has once again found himself on the treatment table at a critical juncture for his career.
Instead Iraola had to turn to Lewis Koumas - a versatile young forward whose promise is beginning to show at No9. That said the Welshman is not necessarily a natural in the position and is probably better suited to playing out wide.
He has been utilised on the wings this season by the new Reds’ head coach - with options on the right flank in particular not ideal early in Iraola’s reign.
Liverpool missed out on Endrick deal
Liverpool under former sporting director Richard Hughes knew for a long time that Mohamed Salah would be leaving on a free transfer in the summer. And yet no natural successor to the Egyptian King was sourced in the market.
The 2024/25 Premier League champions instead stockpiled players who prefer the left - including Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola.
Given that Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha were also going to be competing for a spot in the team at left wing the balance of the attack was left out of alignment as a result of the summer business.
And now it is becoming apparent that missing out on a deal for Endrick could prove to be a watershed moment for the Reds under Iraola.
Liverpool must try again for Endrick
The Brazilian, 20, is surplus to requirements at Real Madrid following the signings of Yan Diomande and Carlos Espi among others.
Rather than kicking his heels on the Bernabeu bench it would have been infinitely better for the former Palmeiras prodigy to be strutting his stuff at Anfield.
Endrick is a natural sharpshooter up top but has also made a big impression in his outings for club and country at right wing. A left-footer, there is a little bit of Mo Salah about the Madrid man - who was listed as available over the summer window.
Liverpool tried and failed to get Endrick on board - with the forward staying to fight for his place under Jose Mourinho. That decision is not likely to pay off any time soon - with game time at a premium - and instead a move in January on loan looks to be a possibility.
Liverpool should re-enter the race as there is every chance the same old problems will be there in just a few short months’ time. Although Ekitike will be closer to deputising for Isak it’s unknown how long it will take him to get back to his old self.
And as for the right wing Iraola by that stage is all but certain to be crying out for an inverted option. Liverpool under Hughes made one approach for Endrick that didn’t pay off.
Surely his successor Julian Ward cannot miss out a second time in the new year.
