A scarcely believable report coming out of Germany says that Liverpool wants to sign both Alexander Isak AND Hugo Ekitike during the summer transfer window.
The Reds are in the market for a new striker, with Darwin Nunez expected to leave the club in the coming weeks — although not for Napoli, after the Serie A giant withdrew its interest due to Liverpool's demands.
Alexander Isak is Liverpool's dream target to replace Nunez, and it emerged earlier this week that the Reds had made contact with Newcastle over a possible deal. The Magpies maintain that Isak is not for sale, but every player has their price, and Liverpool is reportedly willing to pay around $160 million to land the Sweden international.
Newcastle lodged a bid for Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike earlier this week, which might suggest that the club is planning for life without Isak, considering the pair have similar playing styles.
However, a report by German outlet Bild suggests that Liverpool could deal Newcastle a double blow — by looking to sign both Isak and Ekitike.
That seems highly unlikely considering the pair would cost between $250 million and $300 million combined, and the Reds have already spent a similar amount of money on Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz, while Giorgi Mamardashvili is also technically classed as a 2025 signing.
Meanwhile, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano gave an update on Liverpool's interest in Isak and Ekitike on Tuesday, saying: "Liverpool approached Newcastle, there is club to club contact, and that's a really big step. Liverpool want to try in a really serious way to try and get Alexander Isak. Liverpool are aware of Newcastle's stance of Isak — the message they always got was: not for sale.
"But Liverpool always wanted to try, and now they have presented their idea of a proposal to Newcastle. Liverpool told Newcastle that they are willing to pay $161 million for Alexander Isak.
"The player did not close the door to Liverpool, but he remains in conversations with Newcastle because they hope to offer him a new contract. The player seems to be open the move to Liverpool, so now it's in Newcastle's hands.
"This summer, during the window they (Newcastle) always said that the player is not for sale. Newcastle insist on this position, but Liverpool still want to try.
"It can't be too long (for Newcastle to respond) also because Liverpool have Hugo Ekitike as one of the potential targets — the main target if they don't get Alexander Isak.
"For Liverpool, it is: let's go for Isak if Newcastle open the doors, and if they don't, we can try to get Hugo Ekitike, who is also wanted by Newcastle."