As Alexander Isak continues to be pursued by Liverpool, the perfect gift could be waiting for the Newcastle striker if he moves to Anfield all thanks to the Reds' other transfer activity
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United (14) arrives for the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Newcastle United FC at Villa Park on April 19, 2025 in Birmingham, England
Alexander Isak's future is still uncertain(Image: 2025 Newcastle United)
The potential departures of Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa could result in Liverpool handing Alexander Isak the perfect shirt number. Nunez, 26, is now on the verge of departing Anfield after Al-Hilal reached an agreement in principle to sign him for around £46million plus add-ons. The Uruguayan was handed the No. 9 shirt in the summer of 2023, one year after he arrived from Benfica for £64.1m and a possible £21.3m in add-ons.
It remains to be seen if Nunez will be involved in Liverpool's Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday, but it looks increasingly unlikely.
If Isak is subsequently signed this month, the Swede would surely relish the opportunity to don the number worn by the likes of Ian Rush, Fernando Torres and Roberto Firmino.
Meanwhile, Chiesa's future is also uncertain after a debut campaign largely spent on the bench. The Italian had previously pledged to fight for his place at Anfield, but his view may have changed after Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso supposedly told him in a private conversation he has to be playing regularly to be considered for national team selection.
With the World Cup taking place next summer, Arne Slot's first ever signing may consider pastures new. Chiesa, who scored Liverpool's only goal in the League Cup final defeat to Newcastle United, wears the No. 14 shirt.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United (14) celebrates after scoring Newcastle's opening goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Ipswich Town FC at St James' Park on April 26, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Isak wears the No. 14 at Newcastle(Image: 2025 Newcastle United)
This would be another desirable shirt number if Isak was to make the move from St. James' Park to Anfield. At Newcastle, the forward currently wears the No. 14 shirt – a number he also wore while he was at Borussia Dortmund.
Xabi Alonso has previously worn the No. 14 at Liverpool, while it was also the shirt former Reds captain Jordan Henderson donned during his time at the club.
Isak recently returned to the Newcastle training ground for further talks over his future. Liverpool are currently opting to stand back and see what transpires between Isak and his club, after Eddie Howe's side swiftly rejected a recent £110m bid for the ex-Real Sociedad ace.
Darwin Nunez of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Federico Chiesa during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Liverpool FC at Gtech Community Stadium on January 18, 2025 in Brentford, England
Nunez and Chiesa have both been linked with moves away from Anfield
Newcastle also look set to miss out on a move for Benjamin Sesko – identified as a potential replacement for Isak – to Manchester United.
Chronicle Live has now also reported how Isak was ordered on Wednesday to train away from the first team and get treatment on his thigh.
They are yet to make a firm decision on whether to cash in on Isak or hold onto him for the remainder of the window. After seeing how quickly their first bid for Isak was rejected, the Reds will not yet be making a second bid for the Sweden international. However, their budget will grow soon with the sale of Nunez.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot would love to sign Alexander Isak(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
While Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have arrived this summer for a combined figure of around the £250m mark, Liverpool have also sold Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Tyler Morton and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Meanwhile, RB Leipzig have also been in talks about a move for Harvey Elliott. It's understood they view the 22-year-old as the ideal replacement for Xavi Simons, who looks set to join Chelsea.
The Echo understands discussions are currently taking place between the Bundesliga side and Elliott's representatives.