Liverpool manager Arne Slot commented on Newcastle's transfer activity as the Dutchman spoke about Alexander Isak's situation as the wantaway striker attempts to force a move to Anfield
11:38, 29 Aug 2025
Arne Slot
Arne Slot has had a busy summer
Arne Slot cheekily remarked it was "very nice" for Eddie Howe that Newcastle United were on the brink of signing striker Nick Woltemade.
The Liverpool boss had been asked about the latest developments surrounding Alexander Isak, with the Reds' last move being a £110million offer for Isak that was rejected by Newcastle earlier this summer. However, reports indicate Liverpool may lodge an improved bid that would shatter the British transfer record before the window shuts at 7pm on Monday.
The Magpies have moved to strengthen their attacking options after striking a £69.2million agreement with Stuttgart for Germany international Woltemade.
With the unsettled Isak currently sidelined from selection, this represents a massive boost for boss Howe, particularly as Anthony Gordon faces a three-match suspension following his red card in Monday's action-packed 3-2 defeat to Liverpool at St James' Park.
When pressed whether Woltemade's arrival could improve the Reds' prospects of landing the Sweden international, manager Slot told this morning's press conference: "Newcastle have signed - if it's true - a new No.9, so that's very nice for Eddie because Anthony Gordon is suspended and Isak has not been training with the team a lot. So it's nice for them to have another number nine."
Alexander Isak playing for Newcastle United
Alexander Isak's future is yet to be resolved(Image: Getty)
Slot added: "After Monday evening, I said that again I could make a substitution that impacted the game. That's what Federico (Chiesa) did against Bournemouth and Rio (Ngumoha) did against Newcastle.
"As always we try to sign players that can help us but there's no reason after the first two games to complain. But if we can strengthen the squad then we always try to do that for the right player and right player.
"There's only three-four days to go now, so let's see if we do something and if we do something, what we can do."
On Sunday, Liverpool welcome Arsenal, the side they pipped to the Premier League crown last season, to Anfield.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, inspects the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park on August 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Arne Slot addressed Newcastle's Alexander Isak position(Image: Stu Forster, Getty Images)
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Slot confirmed that Alexis Mac Allister, who was absent for the Newcastle fixture, and Conor Bradley, who featured as a substitute during the match, have both participated in training this week, whilst captain Virgil van Dijk emerged unscathed from the Gordon challenge that resulted in the former Everton winger's dismissal.
Slot said: "The positive is that Conor Bradley only had one or two training sessions before the Newcastle game but he has trained all this week. There are two days to go. Alexis has started training too.
"I don't think we had any injuries coming out of the game. And Virgil is also okay, which is maybe the main thing you would question."