Alexander Isak would be the perfect addition for Liverpool this summer.
The striker has been the Reds’ number one target since the window opened, and although negotiations haven’t progressed much recently, it’s clear that both parties still want the move to happen.
However, since Newcastle haven’t managed to sign a replacement for Callum Wilson yet, never mind Isak, it feels like Arne Slot is running out of time to get his man.
Arne Slot gestures to his team during Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Preston North End at Deepdale.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Of course, other options could be explored on the transfer market, but unless the Reds are given a straight-up no from the Magpies, it doesn’t feel like their attention will be turned away from Isak.
Alexander Isak will have to eat ‘humble pie’ if he stays at Newcastle
Everyone knows where things stand for Isak at the moment, but the potential of him staying at St James’ Park this term is very high.
Indeed, both Isak and Newcastle have shared statements on the situation, with both having opposite outlooks on the way things have panned out thus far.
And, while speaking about the potential of the Sweden international staying at Newcastle this season, Darren Bent gave his verdict on what the number nine will have to do.
“If Liverpool stump up the money because Liverpool are the final factor, if they want him and they’re prepared to pay the money to get him out of this nightmare, then they’ll pay the money,” he said live on talkSPORT.
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“But, if they’re saying they haven’t physically got the £150million to give Newcastle, then he’s going to have to stay where he’s at.
“If he does that, then he’s going to have to eat humble pie; his teammates will be fine with him because it’s one of those things, transfers happen in football clubs, and I’m sure he’ll be having a laugh and a joke with some of his teammates who he’s close to.”
Liverpool may not actually need Alexander Isak after all
There’s no hiding from the fact that if Isak were to join Slot’s ranks, Liverpool would be close to unstoppable.
Of course, it would cost them a hefty chunk of change to bring him in, but when his keen eye for goal and ability to level up an attack is taken into account, he looks to be exactly what Liverpool need.
However, since Hugo Ekitike has already been brought in by Slot and has made a positive impact on the results Liverpool have endured, the arrival of Isak doesn’t feel as necessary as it once was.
Of course, since both Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez have been moved on, another attacker needs to be brought in.
Darwin Nunez thanks the Anfield crowd after scoring for Liverpool during the pre-season match against Athletic Bilbao
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
But, since Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa are both comfortable as number nines, a winger could be more useful to them this term.
Of course, only time will tell what the future has in store, but with the way things have panned out thus far, it’s anyone’s guess what the Reds’ final squad could look like on deadline day.