Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have different opinions on what a potential move for Newcastle United's Alexander Isak could mean for Liverpool
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville working for Sky Sports
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have discussed what Alexander Isak's potential move to Liverpool could mean for the title race
(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher has warned Liverpool that securing Alexander Isak's signature wouldn't guarantee them the Premier League title. But his Sky Sports colleague Gary Neville reckons it would make the Reds overwhelming favourites.
The Reds secured the championship by a massive 10-point gap last season and have since splashed nearly £300m on new signings. Liverpool have also had an offer worth up to £120million for Isak rejected by Newcastle United.
Isak is training away from the Newcastle squad after missing the club's pre-season tour of Asia and has reportedly refused to play for Eddie Howe's side. With Isak keen to join Liverpool, there's still a possibility the forward could get his wish and add to Arne Slot's already formidable frontline.
When asked about Liverpool's prospects of signing Isak, Sky Sports pundit Carragher replied: "Yeah, I think so, but I don't get this narrative of Liverpool are going to run away with it."
Carragher pointed to the Reds' Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace as evidence that new arrivals Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike will require time to blend. There could still be further additions, with the club also in talks over a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
"If you look at history, it could tell you that it's not just about having the best players, it's about having the best team, and sort of making that balance right, and at the weekend it didn't quite look right," Carragher said.
Alexander Isak playing for Newcastle United
Alexander Isak scored 23 league goals for Newcastle United last season
The Liverpool legend continued: "I think we will have a title race, and I think there's a lot of talk. I think the great thing about football is what we actually saw on Sunday with Liverpool. It didn't look right.
"It tells me it's not just about spending lots of money and buying the best players, you've still got to manage that team and make it work and have a nice balance to it."
However, former Manchester United defender Neville believes that landing Isak could establish Liverpool as the prime candidates to retain their crown.
Liverpool celebrate with the Premier League trophy
Liverpool are aiming to retain the Premier League and claim the club's 21st league title this season
"Liverpool won it really comfortably last year and have had a great transfer window," he said during the launch of Sky Sports' Premier League coverage. "If they get Isak, which it looks like he's agitating for a move, then it will make them massive favourites. But Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, I think will push them closer than last year."
Manchester City made early moves in the transfer market after a disappointing campaign by their own high standards. Pep Guardiola has brought goalkeeper James Trafford back to the club, snapped up Wolves full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, signed Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and added Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki.
Arsenal are keen to go one step further than their three consecutive second-place finishes, with Viktor Gyokeres arriving as the club's new number nine. Martin Zubimendi should improve the Gunners' midfield, while Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera provide Mikel Arteta with better squad depth.
Chelsea are regarded as outsiders in the title race following their Europa Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs under Enzo Maresca. The club have once again been busy in the transfer window, most notably adding Liam Delap and Joao Pedro up front, signing Borussia Dortmund forward Jamie Gittens and welcoming highly-rated prospect Estevao.
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