Former Arsenal striker Paul Merson believes Liverpool should recruit Raul Jimenez from Wolves as a cover for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who will be playing their respective countries in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
Salah and Mane have been excellent for Liverpool this season, but they will represent Egypt and Senegal in the biennial competition, which will be held in Cameroon from January 9 to February 6.
The former Three Lion believes Jimenez has what it takes to be a long-term contributor to the Merseyside outfit. "Liverpool need to sign a centre-forward like Raul Jimenez in January - and not simply as cover for the [African Cup of Nations]," Merson told Express.
"Yes, they need someone to fill in for Sadio Mane and Mo Salah while they are away. However, I believe they will require someone in the future. They require a player who can exert pressure on the front three and assist them in winning league titles on a continuous basis in the coming years. Coming in second place for the next five years is pointless. Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino are excellent players, but I believe they still require a real centre-forward, and Jimenez would be a terrific fit."
Salah will try to lead the Pharaohs over their Group D opponents Nigeria, Sudan, and Guinea Bissau. Their first encounter will be against the Super Eagles on January 11 at Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua, followed by a match against Guinea Bissau four days later and a match against Sudan on January 19.
On the 10th of January, Mane is anticipated to spearhead Senegal's attack against Zimbabwe at Kouekong Stadium in Bafoussam in Group B. The encounter against Guinea will come next, followed by the match against Malawi.
Due to the calibre of their squads, Egypt and Senegal are both favourites to win the tournament.
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