Liverpool now plotting move for ‘world-class’ player after Alexander Isak move stalls
Liverpool could be set to bring in another player after a move for Alexander Isak appears to have stalled for now.
Liverpool had a £110million bid for Isak turned down by Newcastle, but instead of immediately diving back in with an improved offer, Liverpool appear to be evaluating other targets.
While securing Isak’s signature would undoubtedly be a fantastic piece of business from Arne Slot and Co., it is a move that would present the Dutch manager with some selection headaches up front next season.
The latest transfer target to be linked with a move to L4 has also been labelled as “world-class”, and the Reds could choose to pursue him as an alternative if Newcastle continue to play hardball for Isak.
Bradley Barcola could potentially arrive at Anfield
With the arrival of Hugo Ekitike at Anfield, Liverpool have already parted ways with a significant chunk of money to add a new striker to Slot’s squad ahead of the new season.
With Darwin Nunez looking to be on the cusp of leaving, adding depth up top is a priority for Liverpool, but Isak’s arrival would likely see Ekitike slide down to the bench despite the Frenchman arriving for a fee that could rise as high as £79million.
However, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano on X (6 August), Liverpool consider Barcola from PSG to be a “world-class” player.
- Barcola scored 14 goals and laid on a further 10 assists in Ligue 1 for PSG last season
No bid or talks for the 22-year-old have taken place, with a deal for Isak being the current priority, but this could potentially change if Liverpool cannot strike a deal with Newcastle for the Swede.
With Barcola primarily operating from the left wing, he would not be a direct replacement for Isak but would, however, represent another marquee addition to Slot’s forward line.
This could prove to be a wise move from the Reds, as Slot could find it hard to balance fitting Ekitike and Isak in the same team.
Ekitike will be hoping Liverpool ramp up their pursuit of Barcola
From a selfish point of view, Ekitike will be hoping Liverpool invest in another top-quality winger as opposed to another striker to help guarantee his position in the starting XI next season.
If Barcola were to move to Merseyside, Slot could opt to deploy Florian Wirtz as an attacking midfielder to play behind a front three of Barcola, Ekitike and Mohamed Salah.
Despite Isak’s qualities being there for all to see, this could potentially be a better alternative, as Slot would not have to sacrifice playing one of his stars.
Barcola would also likely be cheaper than Isak, allowing Liverpool to spend whatever funds are left over on a striker who would arrive at Liverpool being content with being the secondary option behind Ekitike.
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