Liverpool are being tipped to pursue Alexander Isak if he does choose to leave Newcastle despite already signing Hugo Ekitike – potentially leaving Arne Slot with a conundrum in attack
For Liverpool the spending this summer is now up over £200million after they confirmed the capture of Hugo Ekitike this week – landing the Frenchman from Frankfurt to fill a hole at No 9.
Many saw that move as an alternative to Alexander Isak, who would’ve been far harder to attain and a lot more expensive. But now, in light of the news that Newcastle’s frontman wants to explore his options, talk of a switch to Anfield is back on.
Liverpool appear, after a quiet summer 12 months ago, to still have room to invest more than £100m. Which is how much it’ll take to land Isak. The Reds and Arne Slot are thought to remain keen and would find little competition if they did go after Isak.
Earlier in the year, Arsenal had Isak top of their summer wish list but the Gunners did not feel he was attainable after Newcastle secured Champions League qualification and have pursued other targets. Chelsea, who made an enquiry last summer, are currently prioritising the arrivals of RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons after landing Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
But whether they Liverpool make Isak work in their starting XI remains to be seen. Having depth is one thing, but trying to fit in more than £200m worth of strikers, both who want to play No 9, could prove challenging and present political problems the team could do without.
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Harmony can often be underrated, but signing Isak would certainly present Slot with a problem that is equally desirable and undesirable. Mohamed Salah is the only man assured of his spot on the right wing. Beyond that it is up for debate.
That being said, any club hierarchy who spend a British-record £116m on a player will be expect him to play a regular role if he is to pay that back. Florian Wirtz arrives with a huge reputation and is expected to play in a creative role just behind the striker. That would effectively put pay to the idea of putting Isak in a more deeper role behind Ekitike.
It likely leaves one of Isak or Ekitike – likely the latter – playing out wide to ensure Slot can find a way to get all his new arrivals into one team. The Frenchman has played from the left in the past, but that does though further the speculation around Luis Diaz, who would usually operate from the left.
The Colombian has been the subject of a bid from Bayern Munich. Liverpool haven’t entered contract talks but insist Diaz is not for sale. The player himself has been non-committal on staying or going. But seeing a big name arrive who is likely to play in his position may not go down well.
Diaz himself has said: “I am very calm where I am and very happy.” The ex-Porto man also claimed he would “make the best decision for me” and Bayern are reportedly ready to come back with a new and improved offer.
A sale of Diaz would further help to offset the mammoth amount it would cost to land Isak. The Colombian himself would command a fee in excess in £60m, which would go straight towards testing Newcastle’s resolve.
One thing for certain is that the club have two genuine options if they do want to land Isak. One – sign the Newcastle ace and Ekitike but accept that only one can start on a weekly basis. Or Two – Go after Isak as their main man in attack, push Ekitike out wide but acknowledge that Diaz will go hard for the exit door.
Behind the attacking quartet the team is beginning to look more settled. Ryan Gravenberch stamped his authority on his midfield spot with Alexis Mac Allister proving a great foil for him. Virgil van Dijk remains the defensive leader alongside Ibrahima Konate, whose future is uncertain. The two centre-halves will likely have to get accustomed though to two new full-backs in Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.
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