Recent tactical decisions to deploy Will Osula and Anthony Gordon centrally against Barcelona, despite Wissa and Woltemade being available, highlighted the need for a new focal point. Woltemade, who joined from Stuttgart in August 2025 for £65 million ($87m), has 11 goals in 44 games. Meanwhile, Wissa arrived from Brentford last summer for £50 million ($66m) but, after an early knee injury, has managed only three goals in 21 appearances.