Are Liverpool Still Eyeing Alexander Isak Despite Major Summer Investment?

Alexander Isak is being compared to Mohamed Salah, and to solidify that comparison, he needs to join Liverpool.

This summer, Liverpool’s spending has already hit £270 million with acquisitions like Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremy Fripon. Still, sources from ESPN indicate that the Premier League champions are actively pursuing Isak’s transfer, even after Newcastle turned down an initial inquiry two weeks ago.

If negotiations swing in Liverpool’s favor and Isak’s contract becomes a viable option, a staggering £150 million fee could be on the table. This hefty sum poses a challenge for Liverpool, who traditionally compete with Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United, but there are compelling reasons for them to invest in Isak this summer.

For starters, they can financially support this move. Additionally, sources have suggested that the leadership at Anfield views this transfer window as vital for building a team for the next five years, with Isak being a central figure in that vision.

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With Salah, now 33, signing a new two-year deal this summer, Liverpool recognizes the need to eventually replace their star player. While Isak’s potential cost is significant, securing him now would facilitate a smooth transition from the older guard including Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

By the end of this transfer window—with a total expenditure of around £350 million for Wirtz, Ekitike, and potentially Isak—Liverpool could solidify their attacking lineup for at least the next five years.

Concerns about Isak’s future at Newcastle continue, especially given his absence from their preseason tour in Singapore and South Korea. Recent reports suggest that Isak is considering leaving St. James Park, with his next move likely determining whether he joins Liverpool this summer or remains at Newcastle for the remaining three years of his contract.

Newcastle’s manager Eddie Howe stated that Isak is still part of the team after he didn’t participate in the preseason friendlies against Glasgow Celtic. However, discussions in Singapore are indicating that the striker’s future remains uncertain.

Newcastle faces constraints from the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations, and despite backing from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), the club has struggled to bring in new players this summer. Their only signings so far have been Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and 18-year-old Korean winger Swing Park. For stakeholders at St. James, a £150 million deal for Isak could shift the scales, even if it means losing their standout player.

The recruitment woes at Newcastle give Liverpool a glimmer of hope. While managerial and fan sentiments often lean toward emotional decisions regarding player movements, the financial realities make it increasingly difficult for Newcastle to dismiss such a lucrative offer.

For Liverpool, the moment to act is now. Isak appears open to the transfer, and Liverpool’s status as Premier League champions makes it an appealing prospect.

How can Liverpool manage their budget after such significant spending? They only invested £35 million last summer, with £10 million on Federico Chiesa and £25 million on goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

This summer, Liverpool has already recouped £52 million from player sales, including Jarrell Kuansa (to Bayer Leverkusen), Caoimhín Kelleher (to Brentford), and Trent Alexander-Arnold (to Real Madrid). Having claimed victory in last season’s Champions League and the Premier League, the financial outlook for the club remains strong.

If Darwin Núñez, Harvey Elliott, and Chiesa also depart by September 1, Liverpool could potentially generate an additional £80 million to £100 million. Isak’s projected £150 million transfer would keep the club compliant with sustainability regulations. Moreover, summer investments are crucial, as it’s unlikely Liverpool will require such significant expenditures in the following year.

By signing Isak, Liverpool can not only secure their attacking options for the future but also offer fans the enticing prospect of having Isak and Salah play together—until Isak is ready to take the mantle as the lead striker. Making this move happen hinges on Liverpool’s ability to finalize Isak’s signing, and it’s less complicated than it may seem from an outsider’s perspective.