After making shocking remarks earlier this week, the Alexander Isak story has been simmering for a few days. In the lead-up to Liverpool’s match against Newcastle United on Monday, the conversation will surely pick up speed once more.
Even though the striker is eager to move and the Reds are interested in him, it still seems like a lot needs to happen before a deal is finalized. Because of this, Liverpool will undoubtedly need to keep an eye out for some alternatives during the last week of the summer transfer window.
With just one week remaining in the transfer window and Monday night departing Liverpool, Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes must act quickly to complete an exciting, historic few months of player trading with a flourish.
The issue is that both Newcastle United and their owners, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, are currently pursuing Alexander Isak, the object of their affection. The constant questioning on it gives you the impression that Eddie Howe might want to get rid of the issue and put a possible British-record amount of money back into the team at St. James’ Park.
But, as he has stated several times, he has no control over that choice, so his only option is to promote the possibility of reintegration for the fugitive Isak. What other choice does Howe currently have?
However, how much longer will Liverpool allow this standoff to continue on their end if the Saudi Arabian owners are determined to try to salvage their image by chopping off their nose to spite it? Many of the shots here are beyond their control.
Although Slot may publicly deny it, the Reds are lacking up front after letting Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and most recently Ben Doak depart. Although it still seems incredibly crude and insensitive to discuss Diogo Jota in such a way, the fact remains that the beloved Portuguese player is tragically no longer with us.
Therefore, it may be necessary for Slot, Hughes, and football CEO Michael Edwards to switch to a backup plan as soon as possible. If there hasn’t been much encouragement from Newcastle by, say, Thursday of next week when some wheels need to be put in motion elsewhere.
How eager are they to see how committed Atletico Madrid is to Julian Alvarez? If there is a grudging acceptance that the 25-year-old is unattainable, the Argentina international would be a perfect substitute for Isak.
Alvarez, who scored 17 goals for Los Rojiblancos in La Liga the previous season, offers tactical versatility in addition to his international flair and work ethic off the ball. The former Manchester City player checks more boxes than most, but there aren’t many good Plan Bs available for the Reds.
Even though he maintains that the Reds would have more attacking depth without a new addition, Arne Slot has already acknowledged that Liverpool needs a new forward before the transfer window closes.
The Dutchman had six senior international forwards to pick from last season, though, and that doesn’t change anything. With backup Federico Chiesa, a player who hardly played last season, he now has four specialists.
Yes, there is more depth provided by Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and, if he remains, Harvey Elliott. However, Slot’s hand isn’t as strong now because he waved off Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, cashed in on Ben Doak, and had to deal with the untimely death of Diogo Jota.
Not to mention the fact that Mohamed Salah will be leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations in the middle of the season.
Liverpool’s top target is undoubtedly Alexander Isak, and it will be interesting to see if Newcastle United will be more willing to part with the desirable Swede once their match against the Reds is over on Monday night.
Liverpool may have to look elsewhere if they keep digging their heels in. Perhaps the ideal alternative would be Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid, but if they were to suddenly pursue the Argentine now, it would be a late swoop.