Liverpool are beginning to make their moves in the transfer window as they aim to tie some key deals up early.
The Reds are expected to be busy this summer, taking advantage of a quiet 18 months to explode into the market.
That has already manifested itself in a move to sign Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool look very unlikely to stop there.
As journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed on Sunday, a left-back is next up for Liverpool, with Milos Kerkez the current favourite to arrive.
From there, it seems probable that the Reds will go full throttle at trying to bring in a new attacking player.
In the build-up to the summer, Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been suggested as a top target. And after Newcastle’s Champions League hopes took a blow with defeat at Arsenal on Sunday, manager Eddie Howe refused to rule out an exit for Isak.
Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
Eddie Howe can’t guarantee Alexander Isak stay
Rousing The Kop understands that Liverpool retain some confidence they can sign Isak this summer. The deal will be incredibly expensive, but it is not completely impossible for the Reds.
Whether it can happen will in part be down to whether Newcastle qualify for next season’s Champions League. They currently sit in third place with just one game remaining, but are only two points ahead of seventh.
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If they lose against Everton at St James’ Park next week, they will likely find themselves missing out on Europe’s top competition. Should they earn a point or three, though, and they’ll probably be fine.
Either way, Howe was asked post-match whether he could guarantee Isak would still be in a black and white shirt by the time Newcastle play Arsenal next season. Interestingly for Liverpool fans, the Magpies boss refused to completely rule out the chances of a different scenario.
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“I never make those guarantees about any player and it’s not to do with Alex’s future but I’d be foolish to sit here and do anything like that,” Howe replied.
“We want to keep our strongest players, I’ve said that ever since I’ve been here and sat in this seat.
“We have to try and keep our best players and bring in more good players to make us even stronger because the ambition of the club and everyone connected with the club is long-term success and that’s the only way to get that.”
Liverpool fans should keep Isak in mind
Clearly, this was not an admission from Howe that Isak is up for sale or anything like that. But if we were Newcastle fans, we would not have been especially reassured by this answer.
Champions League qualification may embolden Howe’s point of view, but RTK understands that Isak’s future is more likely to be affected by contract negotiations with Newcastle.
If the Sweden international signs fresh terms with the Toon, he can be considered off the market. As long as that deal remains unsigned, though, Liverpool feel they have a chance.
Comments such as these certainly appear to leave the door open for the Reds, and other interested clubs like Arsenal.
Liverpool’s interest in Florian Wirtz shows that a big transfer fee is not beyond the Reds this summer. If further encouragement is given from Howe, perhaps they should test the water for Isak.