A 21-goal striker is now looking more and more likely to join Liverpool.

It’s been one of Liverpool’s quietest transfer windows in years, although there are plenty of reasons why.

The timing hasn’t exactly helped. The club went through a major managerial change after the season, Michael Edwards stepped away from his role, and Richard Hughes is also on his way out. That kind of upheaval naturally slows things down behind the scenes.

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Then there was the World Cup, which made the market even more complicated. With so many players focused on the tournament, deals became harder to complete. To make matters worse, Liverpool were dealt a huge blow when their top target, Yan Diomande, made it clear he wanted to join Paris Saint-Germain instead.

Liverpool did at least manage to bring in Victor Munoz, and signing a World Cup winner is certainly something to be excited about.

But one signing isn’t enough.

The reality is Liverpool still look four or five players short of having the squad they need for the season ahead, and that’s before you even factor in any possible departures.

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Andoni Iraola made it pretty clear in his first press conference that he wants reinforcements, so the expectation is that more business will be done.

The problem is time. There are only six weeks left until the transfer window closes, and Liverpool still have plenty of work to do.

Based on the club’s track record, pulling all of that off before the deadline won’t be easy.

Even though the Reds’ only addition so far has been an attacker, the truth is that Liverpool probably need at least two more additions in that department on top of Munoz.

The Reds still need to replace Mo Salah, Luis Diaz and likely the departing Federico Chiesa as well, who looks uncertain to stay at Anfield.

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And that is before we even talk about Cody Gakpo, who is on Tottenham’s shortlist and who could also be on the move. Not to mention the club’s top goal-scorer last season, Hugo Ekitike, will also be unavailable until likely next year due to his achilles rupture suffered against PSG.

So, Liverpool need depth and strength in attack.

Andoni Iraola simply cannot rely on an injury prone Alexander Isak, a 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha and a 16-year-old Joshua Abe, or someone like Jeremie Frimpong playing in attack.

Liverpool need a bit more proven quality, and experience. Someone who can also play across the front three and be a clutch player.

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Well who better is there than the scorer of a winner in a World Cup final? Who is also now looking very likely to join Liverpool.

© IMAGO – Ferran Torres Liverpool

Ferran Torres’ sweet finish against Argentina has forever made him an icon in Spain and beyond. The 26-year-old isn’t just a one-goal wonder though.

Torres scored 21 goals for Barcelona last season, and delivered 19 goals the season prior in all competitions. He is a proven attacker, who can play anywhere in the front three and who has a very good awareness and sense of being able to get himself into goal-scoring positions.

On top of this, he’s also quick and his movement off the ball is excellent – something that would absolutely appeal to Iraola.

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The biggest factor though is that he is on the move. Right now Torres has one year left on his contract at Barcelona. If the Catalans decide to extend his deal, they would have to pay an additional £7m to Manchester City, which is something Barca are not willing to do.

That is why they are open to a sale, and according to the renowned Ekrem Konur Liverpool are to challenge PSG for Torres’ signature.

PSG being interested is not something that should worry Liverpool. Torres will want regular game time and he knows the best chance for him to play will be at Anfield.

That is why given everything, from the Reds’ needs in attack, to Barcelona needing to sell him and PSG’s interest, it’s looking very likely that Torres will join Liverpool.