Cristiano Ronaldo may have unlocked Liverpool bid to seal huge Alexander Isak signing
Liverpool’s incredible summer spending spree is set to continue as they attempt to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
The Reds failed with an opening bid for the Swede this week, but are expected to return with an improved offer imminently.
Isak has made his desire to join Liverpool clear by refusing to join Newcastle United on their pre-season tour, and he could reportedly even hand in a transfer request in the coming days.
A move for the 25-year-old would take Liverpool’s spending north of £300million, following big-money moves for Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, among others.
Al Hilal set to make move for Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez has always been expected to leave Liverpool this summer.
The striker was forced into a bit-part role by Arne Slot last season, his time on the pitch often coming via the bench with the Liverpool boss opting for a more fluid front three.
Al Nassr and Napoli had looked to be among the most likely destinations for Nunez this summer, with the former having been close to agreeing a deal in January, whilst the latter showed significant interest earlier this summer.
| Darwin Nunez | Liverpool |
| Appearances | 143 |
| Goals | 40 |
| Assists | 26 |
The Serie A champions were ultimately unwilling to meet Liverpool’s asking price, having unsuccessfully attempted to soften the Reds’ stance.
And in June, the Saudi Pro League’s standout star, Cristiano Ronaldo, signed a new two-year contract at Al Nassr, reportedly worth nearly £500m.
The 40-year-old’s new deal has seen his club’s interest in Nunez cool, with another club backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), now taking their place in negotiations.
According to The Athletic (3 August), Al Hilal have now identified the Uruguyan as their priority target for the summer.
Nunez is reportedly keen on the move that would see him play under former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi, who was named head coach in June.
Nunez sale could see Isak move over the line
Liverpool have already offset their expenditure with several sales. Luis Diaz and Jarell Quansah have both joined the Bundesliga in deals worth a combined £100m.
And the sale of Nunez could well give the Reds the final boost they need to seal the signing of Isak, with the striker’s departure also affording Slot a free space within his squad.
Ronaldo is not a popular figure among Liverpool fans, but the former Manchester United man’s indirect contribution to Isak’s arrival at Anfield would make the deal even sweeter.
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