Liverpool have been chasing the signing of Alexander Isak in recent weeks, and a deal could now be falling into place. The departures of Luis Diaz and now Darwin Nunez have raised the funds that would help the Premier League champions reach Newcastle’s valuation of the Swedish striker.
Previously, Liverpool saw a £110m offer turned down by Newcastle, who will only consider selling if they were to receive a proposal valued at £150m. And while this is very steep, it is expected that the Anfield club will get close to this, but there are doubts about whether it would be worth it – considering that other areas of Arne Slot’s squad need to be addressed.
Stan Collymore gives thoughts on Liverpool’s Isak pursuit
In his exclusive CaughtOffside column, Stan Collymore spoke on Liverpool’s pursuit, which can now be taken forward with the imminent departure of Nunez.
“I saw the Ekitike assist for the Salah goal against Athletic Club, and it did remind me of myself teeing up Robbie Fowler. And we had a really good relationship. And I think that an attacking unit, it’s not just about numbers.
“Liverpool fans will say that they want the right amount of players to be able to get through the number of tournaments they’re in, which is a lot. But here’s no point in Ekitike and Gakpo having prolonged spells as substitutes. Because I think that both are good enough – especially, considering that he should be a regular starter given the money that was spent on him.
“You’ve still got Mo Salah, who’s going to start. They had to fill the gap with the tragedy of Diogo Jota, as well as the sale of Luis Diaz. So three players out, now that Nunez is going to Saudi Arabia. But I think that Wirtz, Ekitike, Salah, Isak and Gakpo could be too much.
“And it’s not just the number of five attackers that they would have. Mo Salah is top man, and at Newcastle, Isak has been top man. One of them – probably Isak – will have to play differently, as I did when I joined Liverpool because I was having to support Robbie Fowler.
“Still, there is scope for Liverpool to sign Isak, but if Newcastle are going to be asking for more than £120m, I don’t think he’s worth it now. Maybe they get a loan done now or in January, before revisiting the situation next summer – when he would be cheaper, provided that he does not sign a new contract. At that point, it can also be established whether he would be main man or Salah, depending on the latter’s numbers during the upcoming season.”