Arne Slot could already boast one superstar forward in his Liverpool squad in Mohamed Salah, and is pushing to have another in Alexander Isak.
The Dutchman has worked hard to go from a promising coach in the Eredivisie to one of the best managers in Europe right now, after guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut campaign at Anfield.
However, before Arne Slot and Alexander Isak both found stardom in England, their paths actually crossed in the Netherlands.
What happened between Alexander Isak and Arne Slot in 2019
As aforesaid, Slot used to be nothing more than a coach of real potential in Dutch football, working as an assistant to John van den Brom at AZ Alkmaar.
While in that role, the man born in Bergentheim had a chance to help AZ Alkmaar reach the final of the KNVB Cup in February 2019 – until a young Isak turned up with Willem II.
The Swede – who was just 20 at the time – scored an equaliser after Calvin Stengs had put AZ Alkmaar ahead, and ultimately netted the winning penalty in the shootout to fire Willem II into the final.
It was the first time Slot had ever encountered Isak as an opponent, and was potentially the moment which charmed the 46-year-old.
TBR Football understand Liverpool are now working to sign Isak for Slot, and Newcastle would be willing to accept £140m – a sum which would represent a new British transfer record.
Alexander Isak has already paid a compliment to Arne Slot
The pair are yet to officially be colleagues, but there is a mutual respect between them.
Isak hailed Slot before the Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle last season, telling the Dutchman that he is a fan of his style of play.
The Newcastle No.14 said: “I really enjoy the games against Liverpool, because I think they’re not too different to ourselves, a high-pressing team and a direct team, which can lead to many counter-opportunities, and that’s the game I like.”
Slot also complimented Isak after the Sweden international smashed in a stunning goal against Liverpool during a 3-3 draw back in December, saying: “Especially the first one, what a finish that was, from them I mean.
“Ours was a great finish as well, but that shot from Isak, I don’t even know if Caoimh (Kelleher) saw that goal, as hard as it was.”
Soon, the Swede and the Dutchman could unite at Anfield, after several exchanges in the past.