So we're not going to sign any proven top class striker?

[Frogfish]

It's really interesting trying to work out what Klopp is going to do with the strikers we do have; Sturridge, Origi, Ings, Woodburn, Brewster .. and now Solanke who (although signed for the U23s) now looks like he could jump up the queue to challenge Ings/Origi as #2.

That's 6 strikers ! We're hardly likely to go and spend big on a Lacazette now I fear. I would have loved him here and he's definitely within our range. So, before anyone even contemplates us going out and signing another striker, that 6 above need sorting out. Who's staying? Who's going to be sold? Who's going on loan?

For me (assuming we do go and buy another striker) :

Sturridge : Keep
Ings : Keep (I've always loved his energy and he's a 'sniffer', the only one we have in the team/squad).
Origi : Is he going to get as many games as last season ? No, not with Salah (a.n.other) inbound and a fit Mane and Sturridge. Loan to a PL team.
Solanke : Keep 1st and U23s
Woodburn : Loan to a PL team.
Brewster : U23s / League Cup

However if we don't reduce our strikers substantially (by 2-3), and we manage to conclude the Salah purchase, is there another forward inbound this Summer ? I'd say no, and after Salah we're going to concentrate on CM/LB/CB.

 

[choperman.v01]

Solanke : Keep 1st and U23s
Woodburn : Loan to a PL team.
Brewster : U23s / League Cup

Woodburn is still only 17; I don't think he needs a loan now. What he needs is to grow a bit taller and put on some upper body strength, and then prove in training to Klopp that he's ready to go up against physically imposing centrebacks, instead of hiding his weakness by playing him out wide against smaller full backs. I think having Brewster and Woodburn continue to play in the U23s, stepping up for occasional cup games, is better for them at their current age, and also better for the other U23s too.

I've a feeling Solanke might steal Ings' minutes this season. I'm a bit skeptical of what level Ings will be able to play at when he finally returns, and have a feeling Solanke has been brought in to replace him for the longer term, or at least to provide insurance against Ings having to take longer to find his feet again after his injuries.