‘All roads lead to Alexander Isak’ as Liverpool ready deadline-busting transfer
Liverpool are in a race against time to secure the signing of Alexander Isak before the transfer window closes.
Arne Slot’s side face Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Monday evening, and Eddie Howe confirmed that Isak would miss the clash.
Liverpool are preparing a new bid for Isak, with the Magpies lining up potential replacements.
With the window due to shut on 1 September, the Swede could complete one of the biggest transfers in history.
This story includes exclusive comment from football finance expert Dr Daniel Plumley.
Liverpool can complete Alexander Isak deal before transfer deadline
Liverpool must address the defensive issues that emerged against Bournemouth if they are to come away with anything from St James’ Park.
While it promises to be a close contest on the pitch, Isak’s future is bound to take centre stage, with a move to Anfield still possible.
Furthermore, it has emerged that FSG have been put off by Rodrygo’s wage demands, meaning the Merseyside club can prioritise the Swedish international.
Now, football finance expert Dan Plumley – speaking exclusively to Liverpool News – has weighed in on the Reds’ pursuit of the 25-year-old.
“It’s the one big move that we’re perhaps waiting for towards the end of the window,” he said.
“We’ve said this before, Liverpool can do that if they want to. The money’s not necessarily a problem; it’s more about the player that they want, and it’s pretty clear that all roads lead to Alexander Isak there, so Liverpool can get this done if they want to.
“Newcastle are obviously going to have a big say in that as well, and we’ve seen how that’s playing out at the moment, but it’s still there as a potential, isn’t it?
“And if they are now giving up on Rodrygo due to wage demands, then there’s only probably one transfer left for them to do, and it’ll be interesting to see if they do get that one over the line in the next few days.”
Read more: How defeat vs Newcastle can actually help Liverpool seal deal for Alexander Isak
What must happen for the Reds to land Alexander Isak?
Liverpool had a bid of around £110m turned down for Isak, with the Magpies holding out for around £150m.
Such a substantial valuation gap could prove a sticking point, and the Merseyside club must decide whether to make another move.
If Newcastle are to sanction a deal, then they will need to land a striker or two of their own.
Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has been heavily linked with a move, but Howe needs more than just him through the door.
Against Aston Villa, Anthony Gordon led the line, but Newcastle men failed to score despite dominating against 10 men.
Several factors must play out before Isak moves, with just the small matter of a match to get through first.
Sign up for the Liverpool News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Liverpool news sent straight to your phone.