Liverpool is tipped to chase Alexander Isak if he chooses to leave Newcastle despite the already signing of Hugo Ekitike – possibly Arne Slot behind with a mystery in attack
For Liverpool, expenditure has now risen more than £ 200 million this summer after they have confirmed the conquest of Hugo Ekitike this week – the Frenchman from Frankfurt Landen to fill a gap at number 9.
Many saw that movement as an alternative to Alexander Isak, which was much more difficult to reach and much more expensive. But now, in the light of the news that the Newcastle frontman wants to explore his options, talking about a switch to Anfield is on again.
After a quiet summer 12 months ago, Liverpool still appears to invest more than £ 100 million. That is how much it is necessary to land Isak. It is thought that the Reds and Arne Slot remain enthusiastic and would find little competition if they would go after Isak.
Earlier in the year, Arsenal Isak had top of their summer list, but the Gunners did not feel that he was feasible after Newcastle Secure Champions League qualification and have pursued other goals. Chelsea, who conducted a study last summer, prioritize the arrivals of RB Leipzig -star Xavi Simons after landing from Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
But it is still to be seen whether they let Liverpool Isak work in their starting XI. Depth is one thing, but trying to fit in more than £ 200 million in strikers, both who don't want to play 9 can be a challenge and be able to present political problems where the team could do without.
Harmony can often be underestimated, but signing Isak would certainly present a lock with a problem that is just desirable and undesirable. Mohamed Salah is the only man assured of his place on the right wing. Furthermore, it is under discussion.
That said, every club hierarchy that spends a British record £ 116 million on a player will expect that he will play a regular role if he wants to repay it. Florian Wirtz arrives with a huge reputation and is expected to play in a creative role just behind the rush. That would effectively pay the idea of bringing Isak in a more deeper role behind Ekitike.
It probably leaves one of Isak or Ekitike – probably the last one – to ensure that Slot can find a way to get all his newcomers in one team. The Frenchman has played from the left in the past, but that does the speculation around Luis Diaz, who would usually work from the left.
The Colombian has been the subject of a bid from Bayern Munich. Liverpool has not entered into contract discussions, but insists that Diaz is not for sale. The player himself has been non-committal to stay or go. But seeing a big name that will probably play in his position may not go well.
Diaz himself said: “I am very calm where I am and very happy.” The former Porto man also claimed that 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 help further compensate for the gigantic amount that it would cost to land Isak. The Colombians themselves would have compensation that is excess in £ 60 million, which would immediately go to testing Newcastle's determination.
One thing is certain that the club has two real options if they want to land Isak. One – Draw the Newcastle Ace and Ekitike, but accept that only one can start every week. Or two – go after Isak as their most important man in attack, push Ekitike wide out, but acknowledge that Diaz will go fast for the output door.
The team starts to see more regularly behind the attacking quartet. Ryan Gravenberch stamped his authority in his midfield place with Alexis Mac Allister who proved a great foil for him. Virgil van Dijk remains the defensive leader alongside Ibrahima Konate, whose future is uncertain. However, the two center halves will probably have to get used to two new full-backs in Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.