Liverpool still hope to bring Alexander Isak to the Premier League champions before the end of the summer transfer window and Arne Slot was questioned on the Newcastle striker at a press conference
14:18, 08 Aug 2025
Alexander Isak wants to join Liverpool in a British record transfer
Alexander Isak wants to join Liverpool in a British record transfer(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has hinted Darwin Nunez's transfer to Saudi side Al Hilal is nearly finalised in a telling press conference.
However, he remained tight-lipped on whether Alexander Isak would be stepping into the Uruguayan's shoes at Anfield. Slot's Premier League champions have already welcomed Hugo Ekitike, 23, to their attacking line-up, but Isak remains a target. An initial offer of up to £120million was turned down by Newcastle, and it's yet to be seen if the Reds will come back with a new proposal this summer.
Questioned about the 25-year-old Swedish goal machine, the Dutch manager told reporters ahead of Liverpool's Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday: "As you know, we never talk about players that aren't yours. I can talk about Hugo who signed recently.
"We are very happy with the squad we are having. Okay, players left but we brought players in as well and youngsters are doing good. Darwin might leave but things aren't signed yet. We need to wait a few days before things are done."
The departure of Nunez, 26, could bolster Liverpool's transfer kitty by a further £46m, rising to more than £50m, as they pursue the £120m rated Isak. He missed Newcastle's tour of Asia, instead training with his old club Real Sociedad as he worked towards regaining full fitness.
Darwin Nunez of Liverpool applauds the fans as he leaves the pitch after being substituted during the first pre-season friendly match between Liverpool and Athletic Club Bilbao at Anfield on August 04, 2025 in Liverpool, England
Darwin Nunez will soon leave Liverpool to move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)
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The Swedish striker is now back training at Newcastle, but manager Eddie Howe isn't expected to select him for upcoming friendly matches.
Howe said earlier this week: "You have to earn the right to train with us. We are Newcastle United. The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad - you have to act in the right way.
"So that is also at play here. We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal."
Slot didn't directly address Isak, but he did hint at another attacking option for later in the season. With Mohamed Salah set to be absent during the Africa Cup of Nations, Slot suggested new right-back Jeremie Frimpong could step up in his absence.
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"We definitely thought about AFCON. It's partly why we brought in Frimpong because he can play as a right-winger. A maximum six games without Mo, but that's a lot in the Premier League. Jeremie can play there but he isn't the only option."
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Liverpool's immediate attention is on the Community Shield. The Reds face FA Cup winners Palace at Wembley on Sunday, offering fans another glimpse of fresh faces like Frimpong, Ekitike and Florian Wirtz.
Slot said, reflecting on pre-season: "Bilbao, Milan and Yokohama already gave us good competition. Palace hit the ground running again, it is still the same team. A good challenge for us to start the season."