Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk made it crystal clear before the Reds' Carabao Cup final against Newcastle that the club's cohort thinks the world of transfer target Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Everton FC
Alexander Isak knows Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk's opinion on him
(Image: Getty)
Virgil van Dijk's remarks ahead of the Carabao Cup final reveal that Newcastle star Alexander Isak commands enormous respect from the Liverpool dressing room. The Reds lodged an initial £110million bid for Isak earlier this month, though negotiations have since hit a standstill.
Even after splashing nearly £300m on talents including Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike and potentially record-breaking signing Florian Wirtz, Arne Slot's outfit remain keen on securing a spectacular swoop for the Magpies' Swedish star. The club put forward a £110m proposal earlier this month, which was promptly turned down, and haven't returned with an improved offer.
Newcastle have reportedly told their player he won't be departing this summer and will remain at St James' Park rather than moving to Anfield, though the door hasn't been completely shut.
Isak is well aware of Liverpool's admiration for his talents, following the club captain's effusive praise before March's Carabao Cup final. And when quizzed earlier this year about taking on Newcastle in the showpiece, Van Dijk was unrestrained in his acclaim for striker Isak, highlighting just how much he's valued by those at Anfield.
"Obviously, they have a striker that is in red-hot form at the moment," Van Dijk told CBS Sports with a chuckle in February. "So when the time is there, we have to be ready."
Liverpool's chase for Isak has encountered complications, and when quizzed about the potential replacement for the recently departed Darwin Nunez, who has moved to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, manager Slot kept his cards close to his chest.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United scores against Liverpool
Isak scored as Newcastle beat Liverpool 2-1 in March's Carabao Cup final
"As you know from me, and I think every manager works like this, you never talk about players that are not yours," Slot stated to the press ahead of their Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace, which ended in defeat.
"So I can talk to you about Hugo [Ekitike], who we've signed recently and has done really well until now. We are very happy with the squad we have.
"There's every reason to be happy about that, because we won the league last season. OK, players left, but we've brought players in as well and youngsters are doing good."
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool high fives Mohamed Salah of Liverpool after he missed his teams first penalty during the 2025 FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2025 in London, England.
Liverpool lost in the Community Shield on Sunday
Slot also highlighted the team's current attacking prowess, which was evident at Wembley against Palace, with new signings Ekitike and Frimpong both scoring.
The Dutch boss didn't dismiss the possibility of dipping back into the transfer market, yet he acknowledged the strength of his existing forward options, reports the Mirror.
"I think, we think, we already have a lot of attacking power in our team," Slot added. "I think about Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike and Mo Salah.
"We brought in Jeremie Frimpong because we think he can play as a right full-back but I also think and feel he can play as a right-winger – Florian Wirtz who can play as a left winger.
"I already feel I have a lot of attacking options in my current squad, but as always, as a club, we are always looking at the chances in the market. But that can also be in the midfield or in the last line."