Arne Slot is happy for Eddie Howe that Newcastle have landed a new No. 9, but he remained coy on what that means for Liverpool’s plans in the transfer window.
After firing blanks in pursuits for the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, Newcastle have agreed a deal worth €80 million (£69.3m) for Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade.
Woltemade arrived on Tyneside on Thursday evening ahead of undergoing his medical as the Magpies look to have the German registered in time to play Leeds on Saturday.
The breakthrough finally leaves the door ajar for Liverpool to make another move for Alexander Isak as the Swede continues to be isolated away from Newcastle‘s squad.
With Slot fronting the media on Friday ahead of Arsenal‘s visit, he was asked about Isak and the remainder of the transfer window, to which he, as always, remained coy.
“Newcastle signed, if it’s true and I have no reason not to believe what you’re saying, a new No. 9, which is very nice for Eddie Howe,” he started.
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“Anthony Gordon is suspended and Isak has not been training with the team a lot, so it’s nice for him to have another number nine.”
Pressed on how likely Liverpool are to add to their squad, Slot said: “I think I’ve said after Monday evening that again, I could make a substitution that impacted the game.
“That’s what Federico did against Bournemouth, that’s what Rio did now against Newcastle.
“So as always, we try to sign players that can help us, but there’s no reason after the first two games to complain or to think we need more.
“But if we can strengthen the squad, then we will always try to do that, if it’s for the right money and it’s the right player.
Alexander Isak, Newcastle (Gareth Fuller/PA)
“There are only three, four days to go now, let’s see if we do something, and if we do something, what we can do.”
It is a typical response from Slot, who leaves the door ajar without ever overcommitting, but it is no secret that Liverpool have two targets left on the board in Isak and Marc Guehi.
The latter played for Crystal Palace on Thursday evening as they secured their place in the Europa Conference League, with manager Oliver Glasner left to “deeply hope” he does not leave.