Liverpool have been in the market for a new No.9 all summer with Darwin Nunez still expected to depart the Reds, and suddenly all eyes are on movements on Tyneside
Newcastle still insist they will be keeping hold of Alexander Isak this summer
Newcastle still insist they will be keeping hold of Alexander Isak this summer
(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)
Forget that double at Brentford, Sunday's goal at Preston might end up being the most important that Darwin Nunez ever scores for Liverpool.
Following 10 days of unimaginable grief, it was the sight of grinning Nunez reeling off two of Diogo Jota's celebrations after rolling the ball home at Deepdale which brought a collective smile to Liverpool faces, and which ensured that this first step on the most difficult journey was to be passed together.
Prior to that, and as beautifully put by Arne Slot earlier on Sunday, no-one was really quite sure what was the right thing to do. Even Conor Bradley's opening goal at Preston barely brought a flicker of recognition.
The truth is that there is no right thing to do of course, there never can be in grief. And nor is the journey through it linear, as evidenced by Nunez's tears in front of the away end after full-time.
But Liverpool life is never going to stop, and after scoring the goal which at least tilted the balance of Anfield life in the positive direction, Nunez will now have a lot to say about the next steps towards something resembling normality.
Because while not quite in the departure lounge, the Uruguayan has been lined up near the Liverpool exit door for quite some time. His last league start was in March, after which Slot didn't pick him from the beginning of a Premier League game again due to a payment that would be due to former club Benfica.
Darwin Nunez put smiles back on Liverpool faces at Preston
Darwin Nunez put smiles back on Liverpool faces at Preston
Nunez himself has long seemed resigned to the fact that he would be leaving the Reds this summer, and when news of Napoli's interest first arose it looked to be a perfect match. The Italians remain interested in doing a deal, but Liverpool have understandably paused everything of late.
Nunez will always have his fans at the club, but in truth after three seasons at Anfield it would still be no surprise to see him move on as long as the Reds get the fee they will be seeking. That will have always been the plan, however much plans can suddenly change.
The addition of a new No.9 has always been on the agenda too, and a few market movements are now bringing the Reds back to the table when the time is right.
Viktor Gyokeres looks to be finally completing his protracted move to Arsenal give or take a couple of agent's payments, while Victor Osimhen is always in the headlines and Joao Pedro has started life superbly at Chelsea. In amongst everything, it was interesting to note sudden interest in Benjamin Sesko following Liverpool on Instagram in a classic bit of summer transfer window content. It's all just a game at the end of the day.
Alexander Isak has long been on Liverpool's radar
Alexander Isak has long been on Liverpool's radar
But for the next chess piece to fall you have to look over to Tyneside. Newcastle's goalscoring king Alexander Isak is a valuable piece that the fans hope is protected at all costs, but the sudden emergence of Hugo Ekitike like a galloping knight into the Geordie frame is intriguing.
Ekitike is name who has been long linked to Liverpool of course, and shares startling similarities with Isak in the way he plays the No.9 role. Now in talks with the Frenchman, Newcastle are insisting that they want to play the two together, but how they make that work on both a financial and tactical level is unclear.
Hugo Ekitike is a transfer target for Newcastle
Hugo Ekitike is a transfer target for Newcastle(Image: Getty Images)
It is possible, and such a thing has been done before, but after spending £55million on Anthony Elanga and with well-publicised PSR issues to contend with, it will be fascinating to see just what their next move is.
Liverpool's PSR headroom remains strong despite their outlay on Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong this summer, with homegrown players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah all generating pure profit transfer fees. More exits will follow theirs, with the Luis Diaz situation not going away.
Arne Slot wants a new No.9 this summer
Arne Slot wants a new No.9 this summer(Image: Getty Images)
So for now it is a waiting game, with many already putting two and two together and predicting that a remarkable move for Isak could just come off. Liverpool will want to stay in the conversation for the Swede, whose proven Premier League goalscoring pedigree would make the champions an even scarier proposition.
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