It would not be a leap to suggest that Liverpool has one of the greatest attacking options in the Premier League, if not the best. If it isn’t Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, or Diogo Jota wheeling away in celebration, it’s almost certainly Darwin Nunez or Luis Diaz, and that’s without even considering Dominik Szoboszlai chipping in from midfield.
This offensive firepower has contributed to a strong start to the season, with 16 out of 18 points earned and five wins in six Premier League games. However, when January arrives, the Reds may still look for reinforcements, with one specific target apparently being scouted by Jurgen Klopp himself.
Throughout the summer transfer window, Liverpool’s major focus was properly on finally reconstructing their midfield, welcome Alexis MacAllister, Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch while saying goodbye to both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia. Six games into the season, it’s evident that their rebuilding efforts have paid off.
With their new-look midfield completed, Anfield can shift their attention to other areas of the squad, including adding to an already stacked assault. According to Sport Bild, Liverpool and Klopp are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen, whom Klopp sees as a great back-up and ultimate replacement to Salah.
It should be noted, however, that the Bundesliga club is in a strong position, given that Malen’s contract does not expire until 2026, and only a £60m offer would move them from their current position. It will be intriguing to watch if Liverpool decides to test Dortmund’s resolve, whether in January or next summer, when Salah’s future may be called into doubt again following prior alleged interest from Saudi Arabia.
Malen hasn’t always been at his best for Dortmund since joining from PSV Eindhoven in 2021, netting just five Bundesliga goals in his debut season. However, in the current season, the Dutchman has hit the ground running, scoring three goals in five league games and perhaps catching the attention of Liverpool in the process.
While the Reds don’t require much more forward reinforcement given their depth, Malen is a 24-year-old alternative who is only likely to improve, so it wouldn’t be a terrible business for Liverpool to buy him for the appropriate price.
Malen has also received high praise throughout his time at Dortmund, including from previous manager Marco Rose, who told the Bundesliga website: “We’ve always said that we’re convinced of his abilities, but it was always clear to us that he needs time to adapt.” He has performed admirably in recent weeks.
“He’s playing with a lot more confidence, asking for the ball more, showing his flair, and contributing in front of goal.” Now we have to work hard to ensure that he can keep it up.”
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