Liverpool take positive step toward Isak transfer as official bid prepared
Liverpool are firmly in the race to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle this summer.
The Reds backed away from Isak and focused their efforts on signing Hugo Ekitike after the Magpies appeared to firmly shut the door on any potential sale this summer.
However, the Sweden international was left out of Eddie Howe’s squad for their pre-season tour in Asia, as the 25-year-old is nursing a minor injury.
It has since been revealed that Isak wishes to leave Newcastle this summer amid links to Liverpool, reopening the possibility of Arne Slot targeting the superstar.
The cost for the former Real Sociedad player would be considerable, but the Dutch manager will feel confident of securing a deal after the latest developments.
Bayern prepare second bid for Luis Diaz
Having already broken their transfer record with the acquisition of Florian Wirtz, Liverpool would need to sell at least one or two senior players to afford a move for Isak.
It is expected that Newcastle would demand upward of £120million to consider selling their striker, and have plenty of leverage as he has three years left on his contract.
| Competitions | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
| Premier League | 34 | 23 | 6 | 2,774′ |
| Domestic Cups | 8 | 4 | – | 550′ |
This would be out of the Reds’ current budget, but as reported by FootMercato (24 July), Bayern Munich are preparing a second bid to sign Luis Diaz in the coming hours of over £60million.
The German club have already had their first offer rejected by Liverpool, but are intent on signing the Colombian winger after missing out on key targets this summer, including Wirtz.
Slot was not envisioning selling the 28-year-old, who had his best scoring return for Liverpool last season.
However, a significant fee could tempt the former Feyenoord manager, as the funds from Diaz’s sale would be a positive step towards signing Isak this summer.
Ekitike would have to adapt for Isak
Despite only just signing for the Reds, Ekitike would likely have to give up his spot as a lone striker if Isak were to make the switch to Merseyside.
Isak is currently one of the best number nines in world football, and unless Slot changes his system completely to play two strikers, it would be the Frenchman who would have to make way.
However, his versatility and running ability could see him switch to the left-forward spot, especially if Diaz were to leave the Premier League champions.
It would not be an ideal scenario for the 23-year-old, but with Liverpool looking to compete for all four titles available next season, and factoring in Isak’s injury record, Ekitike would still be guaranteed plenty of game time.
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