Reliable journalist David Ornstein confirmed that Liverpool wants Newcastle United star Alexander Isak amid interest from Arsenal and other clubs. Ornstein revealed that Liverpool will only engage with Newcastle if he is genuinely available, avoid any potential “wild goose chase”.
The Reds’ stance is understandable after the last summer saga with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi led to no results. The Athletic reporter also highlighted that Liverpool’s Premier League title rivals Arsenal, and their manager, Mikel Arteta, also wants Isak.
The Reds are currently at the top of the Premier League despite signing only bargain signing Federico Chiesa this season. Liverpool used the season for head coach Arne Slot to assess the squad he inherited from the legendary Jurgen Klopp.
Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is a complete forward, unlike Liverpool's present options Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota.
Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is a complete forward, unlike Liverpool’s present options Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota.
Despite the restricted transfer activities and scepticism from the media, Liverpool are 13 points clear of Arsenal at the top. However, the attacking department remains a problem for the Reds, while Isak is enjoying an incredible season with the Magpies.
Answering in a Q&A session for the Athletic, Ornstein revealed that Liverpool wants Newcastle star Isak only under the right conditions amid interest from Arsenal and other top European clubs. He said:
“They will obviously have multiple options on their radar but the only name I’ve personally heard of so far – which others have already reported – is Alexander Isak. Liverpool aren’t alone in liking the Swede – we know Mikel Arteta wants to sign him, Chelsea and Barcelona have been also been linked and I’m sure many other sides would be keen, too, if the opportunity arose. But that’s a big ‘if’. Newcastle have no intention of selling their best player and, understandably, don’t welcome this kind of conversation.”
The reliable football journalist added that Liverpool have no intention of engaging in a wild goose chase. He added:
“Liverpool are only going to consider making a move if Isak is genuinely available; they’re not the type of club to engage in a wild goose chase.”
Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s forward problem and the crazy Newcastle demand
Slot has played Diogo Jota as the primary number nine, but his injury proneness makes him very unreliable. Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez has continued his inconsistent tenure with Liverpool, playing as a game-changer but also missing big chances consistently.
Where Nunez struggles in finishing, he provides a lot of work rate and hold-up play, which is a polar opposite to Jota. At the same time, Slot has deployed Luis Diaz as a false nine, but the Colombian has struggled with inconsistency.
Isak has delivered as a complete forward for Newcastle this season, showcasing his hold-up play and incredible finishing ability. The Sweden international offers everything that Liverpool needs in a number nine, along with single-handedly changing the game.
Furthermore, the recent away performance against Paris Saint-Germain highlights the problem that Liverpool could face regularly under different tactics. Liverpool lacked a reliable outlet to reduce the pressure that PSG built with their constant attacks throughout the game.
Both Jota and Luis Diaz failed to hold up the play or exploit the huge spaces that the French club left while using their man-v-man marking. Slot likes to change his team’s tactics according to the opponent he is facing, and a complete forward is mandatory.
There are not many players in the game who possess the combination of traits that Isak possesses. While there are other players capable of fulfilling the requirements of Liverpool, Isak is currently in his prime and a Premier League-proven world-class player.
The 25-year-old has no weaknesses and provides a consistent contribution up front for a team that thoroughly depends on him. The Reds have a daunting task in negotiating a deal with the Magpies, who are notoriously hard to do business with. With Arsenal and other top clubs involved, Newcastle could exploit the situation to create a bidding war, which is something Liverpool would want to avoid.
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At the same time, spending an outrageous amount on Isak is another conundrum, as the Reds could potentially sign two forwards for that price. While Isak is relentless and a perfect signing, the 25-year-old is susceptible to injuries as he is currently injured.
Liverpool have made a similar decision during the midfield revamp under Klopp when they rejected Jude Bellingham. The Reds opted to sign multiple midfielders like Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai for the amount Bellingham governed. Every signing provided a monumental boost for Liverpool as they are reaping the reward of that shrewd business this season.