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'I heard Emile Heskey's Florian Wirtz transfer advice for Liverpool - but it will never happen'

Emile Heskey has outlined Liverpool’s ideal summer transfer plans, even if they’re unlikely to transpire.

The Reds have agreed a deal worth up to £116 million ($157M) to sign Florian Wirtz, which will make him the third summer signing of the window following the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong and Armin Pecsi.

With [Giorgi Mamardashvili](https://www.liverpool.com/all-about/giorgi- mamardashvili) set to join later this summer from Valencia, and Milos Kerkez also expected to sign, it is turning into a busy summer at Anfield. With three major additions to the starting XI likely, attention has already turned to where Liverpool needs to strengthen next.

Most think a no.9 should be the priority given Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota ’s respective issues in front of goal during the backend of the 2024/25 season. Heskey, the former Liverpool striker is in agreement, and feels the ideal candidate is obvious.

“I can’t see it happening because I think they’ll have to move heaven and earth to get a deal done, but Newcastle’s Alexander Isak would fit in perfectly for the way Liverpool play,” the 47-year-old told LiverpoolWorld.

“They’re missing a player to link everything together like Bobby Firmino did. He worked in that system to join up with Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, but he wasn’t exactly a no.9. He dropped deep, he had an exceptional work-rate, just phenomenal.

“Someone like Isak works really well. But I can't see Newcastle selling it if I'm honest with you. And why would you want to sell your prized asset unless you're getting a stupid offer?”

Liverpool has been linked with a move for Alexander Isak

Liverpool has been linked with a move for Alexander Isak, but it looks unlikely. (Image: Getty Images)

Heskey’s assessment is correct. An exorbitant fee would be needed to purchase Isak, with Newcastle’s reported asking price north of £150M ($203M).

Even the Magpies’ chief executiv e Darren Eales has admitted the club would be “crazy” to sell Isak, a stance only further entrenched with the club securing a Champions League spot next season.

Given the Reds are expected spend around £180M ($244M) on transfers when Wirtz and Kerkez are announced, finding the funds for Isak seems impossible this summer, despite the club’s healthy outlook.

Emile Heskey

Heskey scored 60 goals during his Liverpool career. (Image: (Image: Getty))

Other names have been mentioned, with Victor Osimhen among the prominent links in the last week. Given his impeccable scoring record over recent years, it’s a signing Heskey would approve of.

“At the moment, if you’re bringing in Florian Wirtz, you need a striker to make that work, because Wirtz is creative and he needs someone to get on the end of things, not get in his way,” said the former Aston Villa and Leicester City forward.

“You need someone to stay high, stretch the play. Victor Osimhen, if he doesn’t go to Saudi Arabia, would be awesome, but you’d be wary of just how much money it would take to do that deal.”

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