Still searching for a new No.9 even if it's not Alexander Isak or Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool have now reportedly initiated contact to sign a 17-goal striker who once terrorised Virgil van Dijk.
After a quiet first summer in charge, Richard Hughes has silenced all doubters at Liverpool this summer. He emerged victorious in the race to sign Florian Wirtz in a British transfer record, swooped in to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold with Jeremie Frimpong and even returned to former club Bournemouth to sign Milos Kerkez. But he's not done there.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have now made their first approach to sign Isak from Newcastle United and have told the Magpies that they're willing to break their transfer record for the second time this summer to welcome the Swede.
Signing Wirtz was a statement of intent from Liverpool, but signing Isak would arguably blow that out of the water. The one weakness in Arne Slot's side last season came in the No.9 role and the Newcastle star stood out as the Reds' dream target to solve that problem. Now, in the mood to spend, he could arrive.
Liverpool Ekitike Related
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Liverpool are looking to sign a new number nine in the summer transfer window.
That said, it almost goes without saying that it will be a complicated deal and Newcastle's stance remains a difficult one to change. So it comes as no surprise that Isak isn't the only name on Liverpool's radar, with an approach also made towards Frankfurt star Ekitike, who is wanted by Newcastle themselves.
Alongside the widely reported two targets, Liverpool have also set their sights on a Premier League rival who previously dominated Van Dijk.
As reported by The Daily Mail, Liverpool have now initiated contact to sign Ollie Watkins. Those at Anfield reportedly contacted the Villans to discover details over how much a deal for the forward would cost this summer amid their PSR problems in the Midlands. Whether that means a cut-price deal can be formed remains to be seen, but there's little doubt that Watkins would be an excellent addition.
Watkins vs Liverpool Record (via Transfermarkt)
Appearances 10
Goals 6
Assists 2
With six goals in 10 appearances against Liverpool, including a hat-trick against Van Dijk and his teammates in a stunning 7-2 thrashing in 2020/21, the Reds know more about Watkins' quality than they'll care to admit. Alas, five years on from that thrashing and he could at last become a teammate rather than a thorn in their side.
Villa boss Unai Emery won't be keen to lose his star striker, and those around Villa Park will likely share that stance. The Spaniard, full of praise for Watkins during his 17-goal haul last season, told reporters: "He’s amazing. Because he’s a really hard worker and his commitment to work every day is amazing.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their first goal with Leon Bailey
"When he is scoring goals, it's the main objective he can have. Where he is assisting as well, he's contributing to help the team. But even when he's not doing both, he's working for the team."
Watkins' 16 top flight goals last season was actually one more than Ekitike's 15 in the Bundesliga, and given the difference in quality between the two leagues he could provide more guaranteed end product.