Alexander Isak’s potential transfer to Liverpool has dominated headlines over the last few weeks.
The Sweden international has long been linked with an Anfield switch, and at the moment, it’s unclear whether he’s going to get the move he’s been longing for all summer.
Arne Slot has been on the hunt to sign players to bolster his ranks for some time now, and although over £250million has been spent by the Reds, it still feels like more could be done.
Arne Slot looks on from the bench during Liverpool's Premier League match against Bournemouth at Anfield.
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
However, since Newcastle are staying firm on their price tag of £150million and are not encouraging Liverpool to make another bid, a move could end up being off the table, especially since there are only a few days left of the transfer window.
John Barnes raises Liverpool concern amid Alexander Isak transfer rumours
Liverpool’s attack is arguably one of the best in the Premier League at the moment.
Although many people didn’t expect all that much from Hugo Ekitike, he’s actually been one of the Reds’ best players this season.
In fact, he’s even outperformed Florian Wirtz, who many expected to hit the ground running almost instantly.
While live on talkSPORT, however, former Liverpool legend John Barnes gave his thoughts about his main concerns for the Reds at the moment.
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“Modern football is so strange, isn’t it,” he said.
“You can never tell what’s going to happen, and of course, you’re looking at the situation of why we’ve scored six goals in two matches, we’re not looking particularly solid in terms of the transitions when we lose the ball from a defensive midfield perspective.
“So you know, I’m thinking more defenders and more defensive midfield players, more than Isak is more necessary, but you have to take the chance and get players when you can.”
Liverpool must figure out what their priorities are for the rest of the transfer window
With there only being a few days left of the summer transfer window, this could be a crucial time to decide whether Liverpool come away with the Premier League title again or not.
Once the transfer deadline passes, no further additions will be made until January, and if Slot doesn’t have the right players in his first-team squad, the halfway point of the season could end up being too late to salvage anything.
So, with the problems that both Slot and Liverpool’s fans have seen already this season, it’s clear that at least one attacker and one centre-back needs to be brought in.
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
The football season is long and gruelling these days, and although players such as Wirtz can be used in attack if needed, it’s going to be better for the team in general if they play in their natural positions.
Of course, this is all just hypothetical at the moment, but if Ibrahima Konate doesn’t improve over the next couple of weeks, or someone such as Mohamed Salah or Cody Gakpo gets injured, it could end up being disastrous for the Anfield outfit.