Liverpool has been associated with a move for Alexander Isak all summer – and if they can sign the Newcastle United Forward, they might give him the perfect welcome gift
The potential outputs of Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa could pave the way for Liverpool to offer Alexander Isak his favorite shirt numbers. NUNEZ, 26, is about to leave Anfield because Al-Hilal is said to be close to the signing of him for around £ 46 million plus add-ons.
The Uruguayan received the number 9 shirt in the summer of 2023, one year after his £ 64.1 million relocation from Benfica, which also included £ 21.3 million in add-ons. It is unclear whether NUNEZ will appear on Sunday in Liverpool's Community Shield Match against Crystal Palace, but it seems increasingly doubtful.
If Isak is signed this month, the Swedish striker would probably raise the chance to wear the number previously supported by Liverpool -legends such as Ian Rush, Fernando Torres and Roberto Firmino.
The future of Chiesa in Liverpool is also uncertain after a debut season that has largely heated the bank. Despite the fact that he previously promised to fight for his place in Anfield, the Italian's perspective may have shifted after manager Gennaro Gattuso told him in a private chat that he regularly needs playing time to be eligible for the national team, according to Calciomercato.
Now that the World Cup is taking place next summer, the first signing of Arne Slot can think about a change of environment and is very interested in Italy. Chiesa, who resulted in the only Liverpool goal in their final loss of the League Cup on Newcastle United, is currently wearing the number 14 shirt.
If Isak would switch from St. James' Park to Anfield, he might want another desired shirt number. Currently the forward sport the Nr. 14 sweater in Newcastle – a song that he also attracted during his Stint in Borussia Dortmund – and Alan Shearer told earlier this year that he regards it as an 'iconic' shirt.
Liverpool Legends Xabi Alonso and former Captain Jordan Henderson have previously worn the number 14 shirt in the club. The future of Isak remains unclear, but the situation escalates after he had been banned from training with his teammates on Wednesday while he continues to donate for a transfer.
Liverpool currently uses a wait-and-see approach with regard to the situation between Isak and his club, after Newcastle has quickly rejected a recent range of £ 110 million for the former Real Sociedad star. Newcastle also seems to be losing to lose Benjamin Sesko – seen as a potential replacement for Isak – by Manchester United, who will not close a deal for ISAK any easier.
The restless Swedish striker was also excluded from attending a binding session on the club's training field on Wednesday, although the families of players were invited.
Given how quickly their first offer for Isak was rejected, Liverpool weighed whether or not he makes a second offer for the 25-year-old.
However, their budget is expected to increase soon with the approaching sale of Nunez. While Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are accompanied this summer for a combined total of around £ 250 million, Liverpool also separated with Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Tyler Morton and Trent Alexander-Annold.
In the meantime, RB Leipzig is in negotiations on Harvey Elliott. It is believed that they see the 22-year-old as the perfect replacement for Xavi Simons, who seems to be on his way to Chelsea in a £ 60 million deal.