Liverpool Warned Not to Sign £60m Striker – “He’s not at our Level!”

Anfield Index

·18 March 2025

Liverpool Warned Not to Sign £60m Striker – “He’s not at our Level!”

Why Liverpool Should Avoid Benjamin Šeško and Consider Other Striker Options

Liverpool’s search for a new striker continues, with Julián Álvarez and Alexander Isak dominating discussions. However, another name that has been frequently linked to Anfield is Benjamin Šeško of RB Leipzig, who would likely cosy around £60m. In the latest episode of Transfer Market Metrics on Anfield Index, Dr Phil Barter provided a detailed breakdown of why Liverpool should avoid Šeško and consider alternatives such as Hugo Ekitike and Matheus Cunha instead.

Šeško’s Limitations: A Risk Liverpool Should Not Take

While Šeško’s name has been circulating in transfer rumours, Barter made it clear that he does not believe he is the right fit for Liverpool at this stage of his career.

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“For me, Šeško is not at the level Liverpool need right now,” Barter stated bluntly.
“There are flashes of potential, but when you break it down, the consistency just isn’t there.”

One of the key concerns is his minutes played and workload adaptability.

“Šeško has played 1,500 minutes this season, which is fine, but it’s nowhere near the level required at Liverpool,” Barter explained.
“Slot is inheriting a team that needs reliable options in every position. Can Šeško step up and deliver 3,000 minutes a season? I don’t see it yet.”

Beyond his playing time, his goal output raises concerns.

“His xG per 90 is around 0.38, which is lower than what you want from a Liverpool forward,” Barter analysed.
“We’re talking about a club that expects a striker to deliver 0.60 or higher. Right now, Šeško isn’t at that level.”

Photo: IMAGO

Lack of Tactical Suitability

Barter also questioned how well Šeško would adapt to Liverpool’s pressing system under Arne Slot.

“Look, Šeško isn’t lazy, but he’s not a natural presser,” Barter pointed out.
“Compare him to someone like Álvarez, who instinctively knows how to disrupt passing lanes and win back possession, and you see the difference immediately.”

Furthermore, Barter noted that Šeško’s passing and link-up play are weaknesses.

“His pass completion is below 70 percent, and his progressive passing numbers are low,” he highlighted.
“Liverpool’s number nine needs to be more than just a goal-scorer. They need to be involved in build-up play, and Šeško isn’t there yet.”

Better Alternatives: Ekitike and Cunha

If Šeško isn’t the right fit, who should Liverpool target instead? Barter put forward two names: Hugo Ekitike and Matheus Cunha.

“I’d take Ekitike over Šeško, to be honest,” Barter admitted.
“His technical ability is stronger, and he’s more comfortable playing in multiple roles.”

Ekitike, currently at Paris Saint-Germain, has struggled for minutes but remains highly rated.

“He’s someone who, if given the right environment, could thrive,” Barter argued.
“He’s got the work rate, the intelligence, and the ability to link up with others better than Šeško.”

Matheus Cunha, currently at Wolves, was another preferred option.

“I know Cunha has had some discipline issues, but in terms of raw talent, he offers so much more,” Barter explained.
“He creates, he presses, and he’s not just about finishing—he adds layers to a team’s attack.”

Photo: IMAGO

Davis chimed in to reinforce the argument:

“People get excited by Šeško because he’s a young striker with potential, but that’s not enough for Liverpool. They need someone who can make an impact now, not in three years.”

Conclusion: Liverpool Must Aim Higher

While Benjamin Šeško may develop into a top-class striker in the future, Liverpool cannot afford to take that gamble. As Dr Phil Barter made clear, the Reds need someone who can deliver now, not just someone with potential.

With Julián Álvarez, Alexander Isak, and other names in the mix, Liverpool have better options available. If they want to explore an alternative route, Hugo Ekitike and Matheus Cunha offer greater tactical and technical flexibility.

The message from Anfield Index is clear: Šeško is not the answer.