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Liverpool are preparing for another hectic summer transfer window, with Tottenham Hotspur loanee Randal Kolo Muani emerging as an unexpected transfer target to address their attacking needs.
Despite investing close to $610 million last summer, the Reds are anticipated to make further significant squad changes at the conclusion of a disappointing campaign. Reinforcements in attack will be necessary heading into the new season.
Liverpool are already stretched thin in the final third and now face several fresh challenges. Mohamed Salah's exit at the end of the season creates a void in Arne Slot's squad, while a serious injury sustained by Hugo Ekitiké will keep the French striker on the sidelines for anywhere between six and 12 months.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Liverpool could address their attacking shortcomings by pursuing Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, competing with Juventus for the French international. The Reds are said to have shown "strong interest" in the 2022 World Cup finalist.
Kolo Muani, capable of operating as a lone striker or on the right wing, is reportedly being considered as a potential replacement for Salah, despite a underwhelming loan spell at relegation-threatened Tottenham.
The 27-year-old has managed just five goals for Spurs across 36 appearances this season, yet PSG are expected to demand a transfer fee of around $41 million (€35 million, £30 million) for their fringe forward.
Would Randal Kolo Muani Fit at Liverpool?
Liverpool fans will undoubtedly be taken aback by reports linking the club to Kolo Muani, who has failed to make an immediate impression in the Premier League. With just nine goal contributions across all competitions and no guaranteed starting spot at a club currently sitting 18th in the table, he hardly represents good value at his reported asking price.
Kolo Muani would clearly not be Liverpool's first-choice striker or right winger next season, with Alexander Isak earmarked for the former role and another new arrival likely to take over from Salah in the long run. The Frenchman would more likely serve as injury cover and a rotation option, as well as an impact substitute in the closing stages of matches.
Nevertheless, Kolo Muani doesn't appear to be a particularly inspired acquisition even in that supporting role. As a replacement for Ekitiké—whose absence due to a ruptured Achilles tendon is a massive setback for the Reds—the PSG forward seems highly unlikely to replicate his compatriot's productivity.
Kolo Muani has netted just one Premier League goal this season compared to Ekitiké's 11, despite featuring in only three fewer matches. A shots on target percentage of just 18.8% is a cause for concern (compared to Ekitiké's 29.2%), as is an expected goals tally of 1.89 and an aerial duel success rate of 30.3%.
As a right winger, Kolo Muani is fairly one-dimensional. He has featured in the role just 35 times throughout his career, per Transfermarkt—27 times at club level and eight with France—but he simply lacks the pace and agility to pose a consistent threat out wide.
Liverpool would likely be better served exploring alternative targets this summer.
Alternative Striker Targets for Liverpool
Liverpool face a decision when evaluating potential replacements for Ekitiké. Most likely, they will pursue short-term and cost-effective cover, or alternatively sign a wide forward capable of leading the line—Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen could potentially fulfil the latter criteria, having both been deployed at No.9.
The Reds would be wise to explore the free agent market to preserve funds, even if landing a perfect like-for-like replacement for their injured Frenchman seems unlikely. Notable attacking names available on a free include Dušan Vlahović, Raúl Jiménez and even Robert Lewandowski—though it seems improbable that Liverpool would move for any of the three at this stage.
Other potential options with Premier League pedigree include the likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eli Junior Kroupi—the latter also a viable long-term prospect. He could come at a significant cost, though Mateta's contract at Crystal Palace runs until 2027.