Liverpool have been looking in the transfer market for attacking reinforcement since the window opened at the start of June.
And, while they may have added the likes of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike to their ranks already, the fact that they only have four natural attacking options is a cause for concern.
That is, especially when AFCON is just around the corner, where Mohamed Salah will be gone for a large chunk of the season.
This is why Alexander Isak has been on their radar since the start of June, as, due to Ekitike’s ability to play on the left wing if needed, Isak would give them an extra option up front.
Mohamed Salah raises a fist to the Anfield crowd after scoring in the Premier League against Bournemouth
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
However, since it feels unlikely that Newcastle will sell their star man this summer, their attention may have to turn elsewhere.
Liverpool will go after Real Madrid’s Rodrygo if the deal for Alexander Isak falls through
Another name that has been consistently linked with an Anfield switch this summer is Rodrygo’s.
The Real Madrid man has been out of favour with Xabi Alonso ever since the Spaniard took over from Carlo Ancelotti.
Several teams, such as Manchester City, have been linked with an interest in the attacker this summer due to his age and the ability he currently possesses.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
However, as per a fresh report from Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, it seems like the Reds will only step up their chase for the Brazilian if a deal for Isak is completely off the table.
“Rodrygo has been defined as the target. Super agent Kia Joorabchian worked to increase his chances to be the next name after Isak. He succeed,” he wrote.
“Real Madrid asking price considered €100M and LFC to be able to pay that. Man City was very keen but internal blockings cooled it down.”
Rodrygo would be a solid backup option to Alexander Isak for Liverpool
Although Isak would no doubt be the better option of the two, the fact that Rodrygo is not only younger but would also be cheaper makes a massive difference.
Indeed, Isak has managed to become one of the best strikers in the world, but when Los Blancos are demanding around £50million less than what Newcastle are for Isak, it makes plenty of sense.
By saving that amount of money from not going for the Sweden international, Slot could go and explore the market for a new centre-back or even just put up the money for Marc Guehi.
The fact that Rodrygo can also play anywhere across the front three, compared to Isak, who is just a striker, would also give Slot plenty more options regarding rotation.
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, inspects the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
At the moment, it’s anyone’s guess what could happen, but for now, it’s clear that Liverpool still need to bring in at least one or two more players before the transfer window closes.
Otherwise, they could end up on the back foot when the fixture list ends up congested.